February 4, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Exodus 16 - This could be called "The Daily Bread Chapter" of the Bible.  Here is where "manna" is introduced to Israel.  Manna is bread from heaven to meet the needs of the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness.  It was God's way of showing Israel that He would meet their daily needs for food.  It's also God's way of encouraging us to spend time in His Word, the Bread of life, on a daily basis. 

Exodus 17 - In spite of God's constant care for Israel they still complained about lack of water.  The Lord told Moses to go to the rock at Mt. Horeb, and "strike the rock" and water would come forth.  This was what God wanted at this time.  Later God will want Moses only to "speak" to the rock.  The Amalekites attacked Israel and Moses stood on a hill and raised his hands to encourage victory for Israel.  Aaron and Hur helped hold his hands up until victory was achieved.

Exodus 18 - Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, came and brought Moses' wife and children.  Jethro also gave Moses some very good advice on delegating some of his responsibilities who would faithfully act on his behalf in rendering judgment for issues that faced other Israelites.  Still a practical bit of advice for us to follow today.