Understanding Enough

Understanding Enough

Exodus 16: ¹⁷ Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. ¹⁸ So when they measured it by omers, he who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need. ¹⁹ And Moses said, “Let no one leave any of it till morning.” ²⁰ Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. ²¹ So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted.

 

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GOD provided bread from heaven and arranged for quail to show up every day. HE gave specific instructions on the amounts to gather. But there were some who did not heed the instructions and the food rotted the next day and worms appeared.

 

My Observations:

• Some of the children of Israel collected more than they needed.
• GOD seemed to be addressing a mindset of independence that the children of Israel had.
• The children of Israel probably had to tell Moses that they had rotten, stinking food with worms.

 

Following GOD required a change of mindset. When HE gave instructions, it was for protection versus punishment. GOD knew how long the food would last. HE specifically made the food last for the duration HE prescribed. The children of Israel were not used to food from heaven and thought it would keep like earthly food.

 

GOD seemed to be showing the children of Israel that what HE provided was enough. HE also seemed to be telling them that HE was enough to believe in. Unfortunately, they had become self-reliant.  They were so used to gathering food for the Egyptians and for themselves, that they could not believe that GOD would provide what HE said HE would.  GOD tells us that HE is enough.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the disobedience of the children of Israel regarding gathering food daily?
• Are there some things that GOD has said that are difficult for you to surrender to?
• Is there something that you need to surrender that GOD has clearly said for you to let go of?

 

Earthly Needs are Met Too

Psalm: ¹² The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
    He will bless his people Israel,
    he will bless the house of Aaron,
¹³ he will bless those who fear the Lord—
    small and great alike.

¹⁴ May the Lord cause you to flourish,
    both you and your children.
¹⁵ May you be blessed by the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Bored, my mind began to drift. “When will this be over?” I said with the thought of excruciating pain. I mean it’s bad enough that I have to be here in church, but do I have to listen to this “old” person drone on and on? I have important things to think about and whatever these people are talking about doesn’t seem to help “my” situation! They don’t know what “I’m” going through, I said as I was about to enter high school.

• Sometimes I think GOD only cares about heaven.
• Sometimes I think JESUS only cares about salvation.
• Sometimes I think the HOLY SPIRIT was placed in me to watch me like “big brother” and catch me in my sins.

What a dismal view of GOD, the ultimate blamer and the ultimate punisher. I saw GOD how I saw life at that time. I felt alone and directionless with no guide to pave my path. BUT GOD had a plan that I was unaware of.

• GOD saw me lying in the dust and picked me up.
• JESUS numbered the hairs on my head and walked “with” me though troubled times.
• The HOLY SPIRIT lived through every sin I ever did and begged for forgiveness on my behalf

FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT are ONE GOD, not separate entities as I write about each. GOD cares about my day to day activities just as much as HE cares about my eternal health. HE wants me to live a sinless life but understands when I can’t. HE is full of grace, full of love and full of mercy. JESUS said “It is finished!” GOD said “MY grace is sufficient ‘for you’.” GOD made me to flourish in heaven and earth.

• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Do you think GOD is not listening to you because HE is punishing you or because you are wrong?
• Can you focus on GOD’s grace?
• Will you allow GOD to heal your heart by accepting the fact that HE loves you?