Perspective in the Wilderness

Note: My apologies for getting off our reading schedule! The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind with some extra needs for my daughter. The Lord has given such grace in caring for her, and I am grateful to say she is doing well! That said, I can only manage to post once a week for now. I’ll choose one devotional from the week to share. Sorry again for any inconvenience, and I hope you have been learning some great things in your Bible studies!

This Week’s Reading: Leviticus 23, 26, Numbers 11-14, 16-17

Numbers 11:5-6

“We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”

Once again, the Israelites are getting restless in the wilderness. They remember how they ate better in Egypt, and they are sick and tired of eating manna. To me, I read this and thought how pathetic they sound; God rained food down from heaven and all they can do is complain about how they ate better in Egypt.

All those days wandering in the wilderness, and the Israelites lose perspective. They are so focused on the physical facet of their circumstances (imagine eating rice cakes for forty years and muster a little sympathy) that they lose sight of God’s provision. He delivered them from slavery! He is leading them to the Promised Land! But the Israelites can’t see beyond their hunger pains.

Sometimes I lose patience for these hangry Israelites, but then I realize- how often do I lose perspective? How often am I so focused on the little things in life, like why God won’t just make my baby sleep through the night or frustration at my never finished to-do list that I don’t stop and think about where I am. What God has brought me and my family through. Cue the guilt.

I’m just like the Israelites, only my wilderness is a different setting and my problems are different. (Usually.) The underlying issue at play is a lack of gratitude. I can’t see how petty my problems are because I’m not looking at the history of God’s grace in my life. I’m not intentionally thanking Him and giving Him glory for what He has done.

But one thing that’s great about the Lord is that He is patient with us. He loves us, and His goodness can’t be tested. His mercy never runs out. Whatever you’ve been through, wherever God is taking you now, He loves you, and His plan for you is good. Take a look around today and I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to find something to praise Him for.

And if you’re feeling guilty like me, remember- God didn’t give up on the Israelites. He led their children into the promised land.

Lord, help me to have Your perspective. Help me to be grateful and content in my circumstances, thanking You for all You’ve brought me through and where You’re taking me!

Next Week’s Reading Schedule:

Monday: Numbers 20; 27:12-23

Tuesday: Numbers 34-35

Wednesday: Deuteronomy 1-2

Thursday: Deuteronomy 3-4

Friday: Deuteronomy 6-7

 

 

 

Exodus 24-25

Exodus 25:8

“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”

After confirming the covenant, God instructs Moses to have the Israelites build Him a sanctuary. He promises to dwell among them.

God has never been distant; He has always desired to be close to His creation, to dwell among us. The sanctuary the Israelites constructed was a physical embodiment of this phenomenon. Now, we have the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside us- We are His sanctuary. Do our lives embody His love? We have a responsibility to honor God’s presence and to view ourselves as holy temples of the Lord.

God most high, Almighty Father, it astounds me that You desire closeness with us. So often my life fails to honor Your nearness. Help me to respond daily to the responsibility of Your presence. Thank You for dwelling with us, inside us.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/27: Exodus 19-20

2/28: Exodus 24-25

3/1: Exodus 26-27

3/2: Exodus 28-29

3/3: Exodus 30-31

Exodus 19-20

Exodus 20:2

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

Before laying out the Ten Commandments to Moses for the Israelites, God reminds the people who He is and what He has done for them.

God has a vision for the way we live our lives- a life set apart and consecrated to Him. But before He gives us a list of what to do or not do, He emphasizes His relationship with us; He cares for us and He has provided for our every need. He deserves all the praise and His aim for us is for our benefit as well as His.

Thank You for Your provision, Father. I know that You are good and the things You ask of me are few compared to all You’ve done for me. Help me to live according to Your commandments for Your glory.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/27: Exodus 19-20

2/28: Exodus 24-25

3/1: Exodus 26-27

3/2: Exodus 28-29

3/3: Exodus 30-31

Exodus 16-17

Exodus 16:11-12

“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.”‘”

The Israelites complain to Moses that he brought them out of Egypt to die. Moses points out that they are complaining about the Lord without recognizing that He hears them. The Lord responds by providing for their needs once again, giving them a sign that He is their God.

How patient the Lord is with us. We complain so much, and yet He lovingly provides for our needs. How often do we complain about our circumstances without going to the Lord in prayer? We fail to see the root of the problem in the midst of our circumstances: we lack faith.

Lord, help me to stop complaining and to seek You as my Provider. Help me to trust that You have a plan and that I can rely fully on You.

Next Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/27: Exodus 19-20

2/28: Exodus 24-25

3/1: Exodus 26-27

3/2: Exodus 28-29

3/3: Exodus 30-31

Exodus 13:17-14

Exodus 14:13-14

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'”

The Israelites fear that Moses has brought them out of captivity in Egypt only to die in the wilderness. Moses responds by rallying their faith and assuring them of God’s plan.

When God first called him, Moses was afraid. He thought he was insignificant and that the people wouldn’t listen to him. He learned by his experience with God in Egypt that his role was obedience. In these verses, Moses boasts of God’s faithfulness and purpose for the people. Moses changed. We can change too, if we are obedient to God.

Lord, help me to submit myself to Your purpose and to trust that You will complete the work You have called me to do.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/20: Exodus 8-9

2/21: Exodus 10-11

2/22: Exodus 12

2/23: Exodus 13:17-14

2/24: Exodus 16-17

Exodus 12

Exodus 12:14

“This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast.”

God promises to protect the Israelites from the final plague. As a result, the people are called to make a memorial of God’s faithfulness.

When God does an extraordinary work in our lives- and He does them for all of us- we need to remember what He did and continue to give Him praise. A one-time thank you card will not do. Our very lives should be dedicated to thanking and glorifying Him.

Thank You for the amazing things You’ve done in my life, Father. You have protected me so many times and I don’t want to forget or neglect to praise You for all that You have done.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/20: Exodus 8-9

2/21: Exodus 10-11

2/22: Exodus 12

2/23: Exodus 13:17-14

2/24: Exodus 16-17

Exodus 10-11

Exodus 11:3

“Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.”

When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was afraid. He didn’t think the people would respect him and he didn’t think he was capable of the task before him. But as we see in this verse, God was faithful to His promise to be with Moses. The people of Egypt see the signs that Moses performs and have respect and fear for him.

When we doubt ourselves, we must remember that God is faithful to His word. He will give us the strength we need. Moses didn’t do anything remarkable; he simply submitted himself to God and was obedient to God’s instruction. That’s what God wants from us, too.

Lord, help me to trust You more. I don’t want to lean on my own understanding; instead, let me rest in Your power.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/20: Exodus 8-9

2/21: Exodus 10-11

2/22: Exodus 12

2/23: Exodus 13:17-14

2/24: Exodus 16-17

Exodus 8-9

Exodus 8:15

“But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.”

Pharaoh relented after the plague of frogs, but as soon as Moses pleaded with God to end the plague and the frogs disappeared, Pharaoh hardened his heart and took back his word.

Sometimes when we sin we say, “I’m going to stop this behavior.” But when no immediate repercussions befall us, we willfully continue the behavior. We might not say it out loud, but in our hearts we reason that if God isn’t punishing us He must not mind what we’re doing. This is blatant disobedience. As with Pharaoh, grave ramifications are in store for us if we don’t heed God’s word.

Lord, create in me a repentant heart that seeks to honor You first. Help me to love you so much that I can’t abide disobeying You in the first place.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/20: Exodus 8-9

2/21: Exodus 10-11

2/22: Exodus 12

2/23: Exodus 13:17-14

2/24: Exodus 16-17

Exodus 6-7

Exodus 7:13

“Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.”

Even after seeing God’s power by the staff-turned-serpent, Pharaoh refuses to heed God’s word through His messengers. He didn’t want to believe in the God of the Israelites.

It is possible to see God work and not acknowledge Him or praise Him for it. This can happen from a lack of attention, or as in this case, a desire not to believe in God. Like the magicians who replicate the miracle by unknown means, we can explain away God’s power to fit our perception of the world, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t God or that He doesn’t have the power.

God, help me to be aware of Your power at work and to praise You for it. You are our Almighty Father, and my understanding doesn’t limit your capability.

Next Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/20: Exodus 8-9

2/21: Exodus 10-11

2/22: Exodus 12

2/23: Exodus 13:17-14

2/24: Exodus 16-17

 

Exodus 4-5

“For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all.”

After speaking with Pharaoh unsuccessfully the first time, Moses questions why God went him. Nothing good has come from his efforts.

In the middle of God’s plan, things can get complicated. It may even seem as if we’re failing. But God has the vision, the blueprints, and the omniscience; He will see the plan through, and He will see us through. Our job is to be faithful and obedient to Him, but it may take time.

Thank You can that I can trust You, Father. You see the days ahead of me and while they may not be easy, they are yours and they will bring me closer to You. Give me faith to trust in You.

This Week’s Reading Schedule:

2/13: Genesis 48-49

2/14: Genesis 50-Exodus 1

2/15: Exodus 2-3

2/16: Exodus 4-5

2/17: Exodus 6-7