pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: quarreling


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In Moses’ Place

Reading: Exodus 17:4-7

Verse 4: “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

Photo credit: Clay Banks

Continuing in Exodus 17 we see that the Israelites continue their grumbling. They ask Moses if he really led them into the wilderness just to die of thirst. Did they really think that this was the plan? They are frustrated. Step after step has required going to God for some kind of intervention. And that step requires working through Moses. The people aren’t the only ones frustrated – and afraid and unsure. Moses cries out to God, saying, “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

God responds but doesn’t directly address any of the frustration. There isn’t any reaction to the grumbling, quarreling, or crying out. God simply meets the need, this time for water. In doing so God also provides reassurance and evidence that God is with Moses, the chosen leader, and that God is with the Israelites. With elders along in witness roles, Moses strikes the rock at Horeb with his staff, providing water for all to drink. In this action, God gives answer to the question, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

At times we find ourselves in the place of Moses, responsible for making a decision or for taking action. Many will be looking to us. Our choice will affect others – maybe many others. In these places may we follow Moses’ example: go to God, gather trusted leaders, lead as God directs. Following these steps we too will show that, yes, God is among us.

Prayer: Lord God, lead and guide me in the decisions, actions, and choices that come before me. Draw me first to you, seeking your wisdom and direction, wanting to know your will and way. Bring around me good and trustworthy leaders, people who also have a heart for you. Together lead us forward in faith. Amen.


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First and Always

Reading: Exodus 17: 1-7

Verse 3: “Moses replied, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test'”?

Moses is leading the people on a journey to the Promised Land. It will be a forty years journey. When I think of the length of the journey, it reminds me of the long drives to Montana. Sometimes before we even left South Dakota, the “Are we there yet?” refrains would begin. When that happened I knew it was going to feel like a long trip. Even though it was only an eleven hour drive, I think it felt a little bit like Moses was feeling in our passage today.

The Israelites have recently been rescued from slavery in Egypt. In this process, God brought plague upon plague, finally breaking Pharaoh’s spirit with the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were passed over by the angel of death. This miracle became an event they celebrate every year, to this day. The hand of God continued to be upon Moses as he parted the sea and saved the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. God has just provided manna, quail, and water to all the people. As they set out once again the people find themselves at a place with no water. Instead of turning to God in prayer, thanking him for the many saving acts that they have just experienced and seeking one more, they choose to grumble at and quarrel with Moses. In response Moses asks, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test“? I imagine God was thinking the same thing, don’t you?

At times I’m sure I’ve made God think that. I know God loves and cares for me, provides for and protects me, leads me and guides me. Even so, trust in God is not always my default response when a need arises or when I find myself in a time of trial. Seeking God is usually my first response, but not always. And it should be always. Maybe you are like me and know your need to turn to God first and always. As we remember how dearly loved we are by God may we make intentional efforts this week to rely first on God in all things. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord, I know no one loves me like you do. No one has good plans for me like you do. May the Spirit remind me of these things over and over as I seek to follow Jesus more closely. Thank you, Lord. Amen.