Scripture Reading:
Exodus 17:1-7
17:1
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed
by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no
water for the people to drink.
17:2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?"
17:3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?"
17:4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me."
17:5 The LORD said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
17:6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
17:7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
Message:
Why do I doubt the Lord? It seems that regardless of what amazing things the Lord has done for me in the past, I still doubt His plan for the future. The Lord can make water come forth from rocks, He created Heaven and earth, and yet we can worry about finances, jobs, and grades. Doesn’t it bring comfort to know that He is in control? I wonder how the Israelites would have felt had they thought about the miracles the Lord did before they ended up in the desert. Perhaps they would have asked for, and not demanded, water. Maybe they would have realized that the Lord was already with them, and would meet their every need.
I’ve often wondered
why God’s Chosen people were the way they were. As I reflect tonight I am
reminded of how external influences have a big impact on me. Perhaps the
Egyptians had an influence on the Israelites behavior. Living in Egypt was all
that generation had known. The Egyptians worshiped different gods, and held
many different beliefs. When you’re living in a different land it is hard not
to conform at least a little. Perhaps that’s the problem that I have as well.
Our society can lead us to feel like we don’t have enough, don’t look pretty enough,
or aren’t smart enough. It is important to grow and learn; however, it is also
important to know that God loves you just the way you are. So instead of
worrying, talk to God about your fears, and rest in His comfort.17:2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?"
17:3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?"
17:4 So Moses cried out to the LORD, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me."
17:5 The LORD said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
17:6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink." Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.
17:7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
Message:
Why do I doubt the Lord? It seems that regardless of what amazing things the Lord has done for me in the past, I still doubt His plan for the future. The Lord can make water come forth from rocks, He created Heaven and earth, and yet we can worry about finances, jobs, and grades. Doesn’t it bring comfort to know that He is in control? I wonder how the Israelites would have felt had they thought about the miracles the Lord did before they ended up in the desert. Perhaps they would have asked for, and not demanded, water. Maybe they would have realized that the Lord was already with them, and would meet their every need.
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for being there for each of us. Help us through all the challenges that life has to offer. Give us comfort in knowing that You hold the world in Your hands. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got the tiny little baby in his hands.
He's got the tiny little baby in his hands.
He's got the tiny little baby in his hands.
He's got the baby in his hands.
He's got the son and his father in his hands.
He's got the son and his father in his hands.
He's got the son and his father in his hands.
He's got son and father in his hands.
He's got the mother and her daughter in his hands.
He's got the mother and her daughter in his hands.
He's got the mother and her daughter in his hands.
He's got mother and daughter in his hands.
He's got everybody here in his hands.
He's got everybody here in his hands.
He's got everybody here in his hands.
He's got everybody in his hands.
He's got the sun and the moon in his hands.
He's got the sun and the moon in his hands.
He's got the sun and the moon in his hands.
He's got sun and moon in his hands
May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
No comments:
Post a Comment