“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.’” — Exodus 16:4&5 (NIV84)
I don’t get it! Sometimes I just don’t understand the Lord. I hear people say that God is judging, damning, etc. I just don’t see it. I see a God who, if anything, errs (if that were possible) on the side of grace. Look! The Israelites deserved to have their clocks cleaned because of their self-centered grumbling with God. They were ungrateful, narrow-minded and disobedient. How quickly they lost sight of God’s grace, redemption, and providence for them. And how did God respond? He promised to provide them manna every morning and quail every evening for the next 40 years. No wonder the psalmist says: “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. As far as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us” (Psalm 103:10-12).
This moment in history between God and His people recorded by Moses is a snapshot of our lives. We, even as Christians, fall into stubborn streaks and outright disobedience. But, God is not looking for a reason to express His anger and wrath toward us. Listen very carefully! He loves us! Because He loves us, He does not treat us as we deserve to be treated. He is patient and long-suffering. He is gracious and forgiving. This is best expressed in the redemptive work of Jesus. “God demonstrated His great love for us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). He is not cruel. He is not damning. He is loving and compassionate. He loves His creation. He longs for our hearts to be united to His.
May we always maintain a right view/perspective of God!
Peace!
Pastor Tom
www.firmlyrooted.church
