How long would it take for you to start being upset with God if things don't really go as planned? Do you trust Him? The Israelites have been walking for only 6 weeks and are already upset with what God isn't doing for them. They think they would rather be slaves and well-fed then be free and not eating much. God's answer is judgment… or not. God blesses them with quail at night and bread in the morning. He provides in amazing ways for them – and it suits them for now. Things did not become less challenging for Moses here – shortly after this the people realize that they want water to drink, so they once again yell at Moses and ask for there to be water. He once again reminds them that they are not quarreling with Aaron and him, but with God. So the Lord provides by having Moses strike a rock and then water comes out to go to the people. The challenges do not stop here – as a nation known as the people of Amalek attack them in the desert. God gives them victory over Amalek. He does this by giving victory whenever Moses holds his arms up in the air. Whenever Moses' arms fell, the Israelites would lose. Joshua fought the battle with the people, and Aaron and Hur would hold Moses' arms up. It is good to have fellow leaders that will hold up the arms of another leader.
It is around this time that Moses' father-in-law comes to see Moses and sees all that he is doing. Jethro realizes for Moses that he is doing too much. He inspires his son-in-law to set others in charge of numbers of people so that they can take care of the squabbling amongst themselves. Imagine every court case today going to just one judge – for an entire nation! Jethro is very wise and this helps Moses tremendously.
No comments:
Post a Comment