Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? Deuteronomy 4:32-34
I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".
*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.
The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado with Aaron confronting Pharaoh to "let my people go (Exodus 5)". Although not without resistance - Pharaoh ultimately let's the Israelites leave Egypt. His heart hardens once again as he sends his army into the wilderness to capture the fleeing Israelites. God of course parts the Red Sea, closes it up once Israel passes through to dry ground, and then swallows up the Egyptian army (Exodus 14). Throughout this whole process, God demonstrates His power - plagues and miracles. His miracles and love fail to relent as Israel soon forgets how God did all this for them and they grumble about a lack of food - God provided for their needs in ways unimaginable for them so once again they could be clear about the source of their provision (Exodus 16). Some however, failed to trust God.
Lucado points how God designed a daily collection process (of manna) and this daily dependence on God is His intent. We are to daily go to God for first and foremost spiritual provision and of course provision for all things. He created us, sustain us, and God wants us to embrace this through a daily, lifelong relationship with Him.
Our daily "collection process" with God must include an element of gratitude and worship - similar to Moses' words for what God for Israel.
Once again, John Piper provides this great post on worship and why it is important - Piper points out that we cannot be merciful to others without being "worshipful" - otherwise our actions simply become another "social agenda" to do good. 100% agree! Worship serves many purposes - of course to direct our hearts towards God and from there God directs our hearts towards others. Our worship must be daily and a key focus must include gratitude for what He has provided - and the list should be long for all of us!
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed not only for what You have done for me personally but for what You have done for so many people I know - what a great God You are! Thank You for the daily provision You provide and SO much more - I am not deserving for all that You do for me. I worry and I have many other sins daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
