Exodus 15:19-17:&
Matthew 22:1-33
Matthew 22:1-33
Psalm 27:1-6
Proverbs 6:20-26
Reading today's (ok, yesterday's - and I apologize this is a day late!) Old Testament reading, I was struck by the persistence of God's mercy. Consider: he'd just freed the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, having parted the sea that they might walk across it, then washing away their foes that they might get away free, and shortly after Miriam sang her song of praise, they sinned, grumbling about the lack of water. So God gives them water, and promises them that if they obey His commands, He would "not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you." God basically tells them if they were obedient, He'd take care of them. Shortly after that reassurance, however, they grumbled AGAIN. This time, they wanted food. So God sent quail for meat, and manna for bread - but He commanded them to take only so much for each day, not to keep it overnight, except before the Sabbath when they were to take double, and not to go out on the Sabbath. So having been provided for, this time they didn't just grumble - they DISOBEYED. They (1) gathered more than they were supposed to; (2) kept the manna overnight; and (3) went out on the Sabbath. And yet, despite the persistency of their sin, the Lord remained with them.
That realization is always so encouraging, particularly on days when one might be struck by feelings of unworthiness, worry and fear. That, despite our sinfulness, we can still sing the Lord "is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?" That we know we do not have to be afraid of anyone, even when besieged by an army. That because of His love we are still able to come to Him, to ask that we be permitted to dwell in His house, to rely on His protection. This is heartening to think of for myself. Even more so, when I think of my children, it is a joy and a relief to know that God will be with them - though war break out against them, even then they will be confident.
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