It is said that men are so stubborn that they will only follow instructions as a last resort! God had fought for the Israelites, He had performed miracles to get them away from their slavery, and He had provided for them each day in every way. Yet God felt like the people were still not obedient and loyal to Him, so He tested their obedience to His instructions. As we meditate on the Scripture today, let us examine ourselves and decide if we feel God is pleased with our obedience. Does He test us still to prove to whom we belong? Will we pass the testing?

BIBLE REFERENCE: Exodus 16:4-5
TRANSLATION: New Living Translation (NLT)

BIBLE TEXT: 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual.”

OBSERVATION: It is said that men are so stubborn that they will only follow instructions as a last resort! God had fought for the Israelites, He had performed miracles to get them away from their slavery, and He had provided for them each day in every way. Yet God felt like the people were still not obedient and loyal to Him, so He tested their obedience to His instructions. As we meditate on the Scripture today, let us examine ourselves and decide if we feel God is pleased with our obedience. Does He test us still to prove to whom we belong? Will we pass the testing?

APPLICATION: Ever wonder how God has tested you, or perhaps is testing you? There seem to have been lots of tests over my lifetime, although I never considered them ‘tests’ from God at the time. A boating accident; Unsuccessful in conceiving a child of our own; Helping my dad and sister-in-law who seemed destined for immediate death without proper professional medical help; Leaving my job of 15 years to seek employment internationally; Leaving parents, family and friends to move to a foreign country; etc, etc. Not only were these challenges, or ‘tests’ overwhelming at the time, but they each seemed much bigger than anything I could handle on my own. But before you start feeling sorry for me, I want you to know that each of these challenges brought opportunity to praise God in one way or another for His miraculous intervention, wisdom and healing. Know also that if I were to list my blessings received from God, they would exceed my ‘Tests’ multiple times over. I have been so blessed in studying God’s Word – especially the book of Exodus so far in my journey to read through the Bible again. I have seen/been reminded of the many ways in which God ‘went to bat’ for His people (the Israelites). Miracle after miracle, so that they would know for sure that the great God of the Universe is for them; that He would fight for them, if needed; and that they were so safe in being under His care and protection, that trouble could come to their Egyptian friends and masters, but they, being under the protection of God Almighty, were not impacted; That in being rescued from slavery, they were not just going to a land of freedom, but a land filled with milk and honey! That’s just to name a few of the blessings and proofs offered to the Israelites. Yet we see in our Scripture today that the God who knows our thoughts, words and actions, knew full well that there were still many who wanted to have life their way and not have one imposed on them by God. Are we really that stubborn also? I believe that God is encouraging us to look at our blessings today, just like He gave to the Israelites their blessings of food, and I believe He is saying to us: ‘Now will you just follow me in obedience, knowing that I am your God who provides for you each and every day, and I have already prepared a new home for you in glory, where You will live eternally with my Father and I?’ Will you consider responding affirmatively today my friend? Please accept the offer from our King today and not leave Him with any doubt. Just as mom told me when she had to dish out discipline to me as a child, I believe it hurts God to think about having to discipline us again and again. He loves us way too much for that.

PRAYER: Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me, caring for me, providing for me and giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free! I have no doubt that You love me, in spite of who I am and what I might do or say that may disappoint you at times. But Lord, I want to live my life here on earth as a perfect example of the Christ who died for me, rose again, and lives victoriously at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Please Lord, may each day give me opportunity to better prepare myself for the kingdom, with Your help. You know what I need and You know what’s needed to help me achieve a life dedicated fully and whole heartedly to You. Please touch the lives of each reader so that they may glory in the Father, and sing praises to You without reservation. May others be drawn to You as a result of being encouraged by at least one believer in Jesus Christ today. AMEN!