Daily Scripture Reading: Judges 16-18
Focal Passage: Exodus 16:2-3
We have this ongoing debate in my home. Terri and I disagree about the necessary ingredients that are required for a meal time. I am no vegetarian, never had any desire to be, nor do I understand people that claim to be. A meal must come with some type of meat, preferably beef (like a 12 ounce New York Strip steak) in order for it to be classified as officially dinner. You might get by with a baked potato or salad or soup for lunch but for dinner it must have some type of meat in it! This is even Scriptural. Seriously. I will prove it to you.
Today I was studying for a Bible study I am teaching Wednesday night and I was reminded that even God's people complained about not having meat to eat. They were in the wilderness and grew tired of the daily routine of water and water only. Then God rained down bread from heaven, but God's people complained again...bread and water alone is really not a meal. Then in Exodus 16:12, God told His people He would send them meat (quail) every evening.
Ok...let me be honest with you. This passage of Scripture is really not about whether or not every dinner has to have meat with it. However, it does remind us of our human tendency, to grumble. Grumbling constitutes a dominant theme all throughout the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and it describes not only the Israelites' typical attitude when faced with difficulty, but ours as well. The lack of food affected the entire Israelite community and the grumbling and complaining led to angry accusations against human leaders and God.
God had only shown care and love for His people. Moses had led the people out of bondage and slavery to freedom. When faced with difficult times, however, the people had forgotten all of the ways both God and his leader had provided for them. Instead of remaining loyal to God and trusting Him to see them through the difficult time, they blamed Him. We have a tendency to do the same thing today. God can use difficult times or circumstances to strengthen our faith and commitment in Him. We need to trust Him and depend on Him in every situation.
When do you have difficulty trusting in God? How have your life experiences helped you grow more devoted to Him in good and difficult times?
I am reading a wonderful book called "Lord Change my Attitiude... Before it's too Late!" by James MacDonald. The Isrealites are the focus of the book and MacDonald touches directly on this!
ReplyDeleteAs to account #1, I'll remind you that when God created the world in seven days, it did not include meat for Adam and Eve to eat. Everything they needed grew on trees and from the ground. Meat became a source of food AFTER sin entered the world. That is scriptural too.
ReplyDeleteAs to account #2, God gave the Israelites quail, which is foul, not to be confused with beef, only because they complained and grumbled. He knew it wasn't good for them.
Grumbling is easy. Trusting God is hard. The real miracle is seeing Him transform someone's character to be more like Christ through difficult times.
I'm grilling hamburgers for dinner.
Kate...I have that book also and our church has the study that goes along with it. Thanks for your feedback. Terri...I am so looking forward to a hamburger and Arizona Diamondbacks night!
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Keith,
ReplyDeleteYou are so my amigo! I love NY Strip ..So many of lifes experiences helps ones faith grow towards God and question? My most recent experience was my health. Diabetes is disease I feared my whole life...I now see it as a blessing for my children and my family. We eat healthier meals. (except for my 10 yr old Zoe, we are still working on her eating habits) ..So I say to you..yes I would love love love a NY Strip for dinner, even breakfast (laughing)..but Listen to your wife..God is speaking to you through her. She loves you and God loves you. So as we are not getting any younger, steaks and meats are not a great choice(for dinner)! To Terri I say, make my friends tummy happy, serve him a STEAK! (a 4oz steak that is)(laughing) once a month! By the way, I wish I could grow such a beautiful garden!!!!!!!! much love to all and God Bless!
Ramona and family
Grumbling and complaining does nothing positive for our body, spiritually or physically, we do need to take of both. I was just telling a friend this afternoon that I force myself to put on a “happy face” even though inside I just want to cry or scream because of the trials I have had to face in my life over the last 11 years. The reason for the happy face is twofold; 1) dwelling on the negative is in my mind disrespectful to God. He has provided for me and he has a plan for me, who am I to question which direction He wants me to take to in the fulfillment of His plan? 2) It is more exhausting and unhealthy to be negative and complaining all the time. It really is easier, even if it takes work, to put on a happy face, not to mention how much better it is for our health.
ReplyDelete