pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Questions

Readings: Exodus 15:22-27, Exodus 16, Exodus 17, Exodus 18

Exodus 16:8 – “Who are we? Your complaints aren’t against us but against the LORD.”

Coming fresh off of the amazing rescue at the sea, today we become familiar with an oft-repeated pattern in the wilderness. The Hebrews are lacking in something so they argue/complain/grumble against Moses. Moses, often in frustration, turns to God and God provides food, water, protection… We often see a version of this played out in our lives, just without Moses as the middle man. We go straight to God with our grumbles, complaints, charges…

At Marah the water is bitter. God makes it sweet. Those hardships or challenges that become blessings? We experience these too, don’t we? Then, in the Sin Desert, hunger sets in. They long for the meat and bread of slavery. Ever look back in the good old days? God provides meat and bread. These come with instructions. These begin to establish the Sabbath. It was not possible in Egypt. As slaves of another they worked 7 days a week. We have a choice. Do we allow ourselves to be controlled by work…? Or do we honor God and ourselves in sabbath rest?

After preserving some manna for future generations, the Israelites travel on to Rephidim. No water. They accuse Moses (read: God) of bringing them out into the desert to die of thirst. Moses hits the rock at Horeb with his staff -> water comes out! Then Amalek comes to fight them. Joshua leads the troops into battle as Moses, Aaron, and Hur go up the mountain. The staff, now held aloft, continues to represent God’s presence. Aaron and Hur help Moses and God gives Israel victory. This leads into Jethro’s visit and suggestion. He sees Moses is too busy. He won’t last like this. Following his wise father-in-law’s advice, Moses appoints judges, sharing the load. God shared the load in battle. Moses shared the load with others. Which kind of sharing is harder for you? What did you learn today about sharing?

Prayer: Lord God, it is a little scary to see how little we’ve changed since Moses’ time. We get caught in nostalgia, we lose faith quickly, we question your love. Today I thank you so much for your enduring patience through the generations and for your great patience with me. Teach me to turn quicker to you and to hold onto your hand longer and more steadily. Amen.


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Your Plenty

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 8: 7-15

Verse 14: “Your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need”.

Photo credit: Dominik Lange

In chapter eight Paul begins by sharing about the example set by the churches in Macedonia. Even though they are in a time of trial they gave “as much as they were able”. And they gave with joy. With this example in mind, Paul turns to the commitment made by the Corinthian church. Paul first lifts up the ways that the church excels: faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, love. Then he challenges them to also excel in giving. In verse ten Paul reminds them that they were the first to desire to give to support their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul’s challenge now is to “finish the work” – to make good on their original desire.

The idea of giving to a church or to an organization like the Red Cross or to a local mission or shelter is still common among many Christians. Yet our culture, as did the culture around the Corinthian church, teaches about rugged individualism and about striving for success. From an early age we are taught to achieve and to excel and to accumulate. So for some, Paul’s appeal towards “equality” among the churches runs counter to our cultural norms. The reality is that many see “ours” as “mine” and not “ours” as given by God to be stewarded by all of us.

Paul appeals to the church to “share the load”, to help a fellow church in its time of need. In verse fourteen he puts it this way: “Your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need”. Give when you can and trust that others will care for you in your times of need. Paul’s appeal in this case is financial. One can also give of one’s time or talents or presence or service. In whatever ways we can, may we each care well for one another, being generous first with our love and then with whatever else we have to offer.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the giver of all good things. You have blessed me abundantly. Open my heart to the ways I can bless others. Amen.