^1-3 On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, the whole company of Israel moved on from Elim to the Wilderness of Sin which is between Elim and Sinai. The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. The Israelites said, “Why didn’t God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!” ^4-5 God said to Moses, “I’m going to rain bread down from the skies for you. The people will go out and gather each day’s ration. I’m going to test them to see if they’ll live according to my Teaching or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they have gathered, it will turn out to be twice as much as their daily ration.” Exodus 16:1-5

The people had the temerity to quarrel with Moses over food and drink in the wilderness, even to the point that they wished that they had remained in slavery in Egypt. Why? Because humans are inherently turned in on themselves. Because in Egypt they had what they needed given to them, even though they were enslaved. What is different in the wilderness is that they must depend on G-d – they must trust that G-d will provide. Even when they are given detailed instructions on how to fend for themselves, many of the people cannot follow the instructions. It is so hard for us, as humans to follow the specific commands of G-d – that is why it is law. Laws are given to keep people in line—to make sure all people are held under the same consequences if they do not follow that law. The law, however is also necessary so that we remember our position with G-d: we are sinners. The law is held up to us as a mirror to us to remember our sinful ways. It is also a reminder that we did, still do, and will always need G-d – trusting in G-d’s steadfastness to know what is best for our lives. We simply need to heed the call and follow – trusting that G-d has a plan and will be a sure guide through our own wilderness experiences.

Pastor Dave