Exodus 16:3
“Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Slavery for the people of Israel was a living death. The Pharaoh feared their population and had put in place policies to diminish their whole population. Similar to governmental policies around the world today, births were restricted, working conditions were intentionally made deadly, and suffering was increased.
The people prayed to the Lord for deliverance, and God heard their cry for help. He sent His servant Moses, and with mighty miracles He rescued His people from slavery. God was taking them to the promised land.
But, even though they had barely begun their journey, some began to panic. They feared the journey. They had come along, perhaps, thinking that this was the easy way out. But, instead, they faced a journey across a wilderness. Of themselves, they could see no way they would ever survive. This wasn’t easy way out that they expected.
It is thought that among the Israelites were many hangers on, people who left with them. They didn’t believe, formed the core of a rabble, and were quick to complain. This rabble was able to stir up unbelief among God’s people. We see this situation today whenever the way forward involves difficulty and sacrifice. The easy way out is as tempting as ever and complaint is common.
There is no easy way out. For this reason, faith in God is necessary. God proved His own faithfulness when He provided His people with manna from heaven, meat, and water in abundance. God cared for His people during the worst trials. For those who trusted in the Lord, the trials — though difficult — served to affirm their faith. For those who complained in unbelief, the journey was too much. They quickly fell into sin.
God has shown us that putting our faith in the easy way out is a deception. The faithful way in Jesus is our only salvation. Jesus is Himself the faithful one, who didn’t turn aside from us, even though our salvation meant His death on cross and grave. Jesus continued undeterred for us and our salvation. On the third day He rose from the dead and shows us the future of all who trust in Him.
Though faith seems easy, as in “just trust in the Lord and your will be saved.” We know also that because of our sinful nature, such faith is impossible for us. We too easily trust in the attitudes shown by those who longed for their old slave life in Egypt. Therefore, God helps us. The Holy Spirit encourages us through faith to follow Jesus all our days, and through all our trials. In this way God brings us to our eternal Home with Him, which will be the promised land, the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting.
LET US PRAY
I thank you Lord for strengthening me in faith all the days of my life. Sustain all who call you their Lord and Savior, especially during times of physical and spiritual trial, so that we will remember Jesus Holy example, give thanks for your gifts, and bear all difficulties, trusting in your faithfulness in Jesus. In HIs Name I pray, AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.