Exodus 17-20

January 23

Exodus 17-20

You would think the Israelites would learn from their mistakes. They barely got out of Egypt and they began to complain. The first time they complained was when their backs were against the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army was quickly approaching. God opened the sea and allowed the Israelites to walk through while the Egyptian army drowned. Then they grumbled because they did not have anything to eat or drink. God gave them good water from the bad and provided bread and meat in the manna and quail. They set out again with God leading the way and came to another place with no water. They again grumbled against Moses. Once again God provided. He told Moses to strike a rock and water would come out, and it did. Before you know it, the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites and God delivered them from their enemies. God had Moses write it down to remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness.

God was faithful in providing food, water, and protection to the Israelites. It should have been obvious that they could trust Him no matter where He led them or what He asked of them. God told them "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession." (Exodus 19:5, NIV) “If” is a big little word. If they obey, God will bless. Then God gave them the Ten Commandments, rules to live by. God made a covenant with Israel. God was faithful to keep his part of the covenant, the Israelites not so much so.

God is still faithful, but God also still expects us to walk in obedience to Him’ which the Israelites failed miserably at doing. We are no different. The only way we can walk in obedience, is through God’s grace and strength.  "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6, NIV)

God is faithful, are you?