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Stories 2010

There are many wonderful and inspiring things that happened here at Jesus House in 2010.

Chilean Miner visits Jesus House

kelly kasandra

In Transit

Tue, 25/01/2011
Exodus Chapters 16 to 18

EXODUS 16

Manna and Quail

Commentary

Israel is in transit to a new location, the ‘Promised Land’, the land flowing with milk and honey.  They have witnessed miraculous events seen mighty displays of power and their oppressor destroyed, ‘the horse and the rider cast into the sea’.  You would think that they would be excited and looking forward to the new location.  Well think again.  They have quickly forgotten the signs and wonders of the Exodus from Egypt.

Three things are quite evident in today’s scripture readings.

The Struggle With God and Man

At the first sign of challenges, we begin to sense Israel’s lack of enthusiasm to leave Egypt even though they were in bondage and had cried to the Lord for deliverance.  Their food supplies were running low and once things began to look difficult, they looked for someone to blame and Moses and Aaron were readymade scapegoats.  “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt!”  I love Moses’ response.  On the face of it, one could think he was saying ‘Hey guys, what’s it got to do with me?  But I think he was giving very good advice applicable to us today that we should be careful not to grumble and complain against God. 

The children of Israel had a genuine need for food and water and though their approach of asking was not the most appropriate, God still responded to their need.  He supernaturally gave them manna (meaning what is it?) daily.  This manna mysteriously appeared (came with the dew), was enough for each person regardless of how much was gathered, was sufficient for the day (no hoarding necessary), and could be made into different meals.  What about water from a rock?  Amazing!   

Organisation is key

In Exodus 18, we see a model for leadership and advice to leaders that orderly delegation of responsibility is key to maintaining focus, achieving success, and continuity.  Our recruitment policy should be based on selecting men who fear God, who are trustworthy and who hate dishonest gain (covetousness). We must teach them policies, processes and give clear instructions, show them how to perform the role (train them) and teach them the right behaviours.  Proper structures and functional groupings are necessary parts of an organisation.   This is a characteristic of the early church (Acts 6:1 - 7).

Deeper side of things.
It would be remiss of me not to point out some significant things from today’s reading.

  • The manna and water account are a type of Gods supernatural provision. It is a gift, always on time,
        sufficient and miraculous
  • The rock is Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4)
  • Both manna and water demonstrate God’s Glory and ability
  • Sometimes, God allows situations and challenges so that he can demonstrate His Glory so that we will believe and trust in Him.

The Amalekites were occupying the land promised to Israel and they will turn out to be a constant source of trouble to Israel.  They show up pretty soon after Israel’s departure from Egypt to make war with the children of Israel.  Joshua leads chosen men into battle against the Amalekites and as long as Moses’ hands are held up, Israel prevails.

If we consider Amalek as a type of the flesh or canal nature of man, Israel is a type of the spiritual man, Joshua as a type of Jesus, we begin to see a different picture emerging.  The flesh is always in conflict with the spirit (Galatians 5:17). Amalekites were always in conflict with Israel.  God told Saul to wipe out all the Amalekites and we are told to mortify the deeds of the flesh by the spirit (Romans 8:13).  As long as Moses lifted his hands Israel prevailed and as long as we lift up our hands to Jesus, we also prevail because the LORD is our banner.  We have God’s word that He will fight against the Amalekites from generation to generation.

As we also are in transit to the ‘Promised Land’, a new heaven and new earth, let us learn from the experience of the Israelites as they journeyed to the ‘Promised Land’.

  • Be careful not to grumble or complain  (Philippians 2:14)
  • During challenging times, let us be quick to remember God’s faithfulness in times past
  • Be careful to appreciate supernatural provision
  • Endeavour to put the flesh to death.  If we don’t, it could come back to haunt us (ask Mordecai – the
       book of Esther).
  • Organise ourselves for success.

 

AMOS 3:3

 3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Nnamdi

jawaidqazi

Antoinette Adesina

Mr

yomi

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