series: #
verse: Exodus 16:1-10 #
In the previous chapter, we learned that we are invited to release our bitterness to God. God wants to transform us through the hardships that we face.
Main Idea: #
In Christ, we have been set free as children of God.
But even though we believe that we are free, we don’t live it out. We are still human and battle pride, envy, insecurity, and are often overwhelmed by the forces of the world.
Think about the sins that we have grown to be so careless of. Lying, deceit, lust, etc.
So what really is the wilderness? It’s not just a period of hardship, it’s anywhere that’s not heaven. We live in a time that is between Egypt and the Kingdom of God. Our jouneys are all within the wilderness. The feeling of comfort and security is just a condition, we are still lost. This wilderness is constantly within us, but God is using it to transform us into a people that can really live in freedom.
God’s Process #
Notice in the early parts of the passage, that God is leading the Israelites out of Elim (the prosperous place of water and resources), but he leads them instead toward the wilderness. Now note that the reason for this is because God has made a promise to them to give them the land that they deserve, and this is the process of getting there.
God disrupts our lifestyle. He essentially throws a curve ball. He will cause us to complain and be confused
But what is this “predictable comfort” that is being mentioned. Well it’s many things. Our comfortable routine, the gratifying thing we induldge in such as vapes, alcohol, pornography, one night stands, etc.
There was a study where people were hooked up to a shocker. Some people were 100% shocked, 0% shocked, and 50% shocked. The people who had a 50/50 chance were the most sterssed.
Uncertainty is more stressful than pain.
When our lives are disrupted, it strengthens our trust in God. He helps us to stop depending on worldly things for our joy and satisfaction, and to depend on the one true provider of peace, God.
God’s Provision #
In verses 4-5, we see that God will provide us with what we need, but not what we expect. In this context specifically, God is providing the people with food alongside instruction. This was to test the Israelites whether or not they would be obedient. It’s never a direct solution. Humans have a tendency to view God’s provisions as something we don’t need, because we pridefully expect more. There is greater value in being provided for in the spiritual sense than the physical sense.
How is God revealing his glory? #
Even when we turn to the worldly things (our quick fixes and our own prideful solutions), God draws near to us. In the passage, the Israelites are continuously grumbling and complaining to the Lord. Just in 12 verses, the word “grumbled” was referenced a total of eight times. When they are accusing and doubting God, he comes in and “The glory of the Lord appeared in a cloud”. Not in judgment, but in mercy. God draws close to provide comfort. God is never a reward for holiness. He’s a merciful and caring God. Whenever you feel weak, isolated, or weary, be strong in knowing that God is always with you. And jump forward to today. God reveals his glory through the provisions of bread through his Son Jesus Christ. Come to Jesus and lay down your stress and burdens. He has already carried it to the cross and has taken the burden for us. Jesus is our daily bread.
Concluding thoughts #
So if you feel dry, hungry or tired. Don’t pray to God to change your situtation. Come to the one that will change you. Pray this prayer. I encourage you: Come to Jesus, He is enough.
Prayer #
Father, we thank you. For showing us glory. That you are a merciful God who draws near to us even in times we don’t dserve it. God, the wilderness that we walk through right now is ajourney in this world where we are shaped to be more like you. So father I pray help us lord to turn away from the comfort of living the predictable lifestyle. allow us lord and help us god to trust in your truth and your word alone. We can more and more develop a dependency on you. I pray god thatwe get to exerience the freedom and joy that flows from it. as weh ave seen krod that you are providing us and have been providing for us. what we need rgith now through your word. help us to see that and obey it as you have instructed us through your word. god we thank you for being such a great god. may you keep changing us from the inside out so we can follow your plans and see your glory. In jesus name amen.