Day 50- Exodus 16-18

As we have seen God tests us in so many ways.  Here, God does not deprive the sons of Israel of food, but he tests them to  understand that he would provide for them, food, but they had to trust in him.  Do you have faith so strong that you know God will provide?  Henry indicates,

Man being made out of the earth, his Maker has wisely ordered him food out of the earth, Ps. 104:14 . But the people of Israel, typifying the church of the first-born that are written in heaven, and born from above, and being themselves immediately under the direction and government of heaven, receiving their charters, laws, and commissions, from heaven, from heaven also received their food: their law being given by the disposition of angels, they did also eat angels’ food. See what God designed in making this provision for them: That I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law or no. [1.] Thus he tried whether they would trust him, and walk in the law of faith or no, whether they could live from hand to mouth, and (though now uneasy because their provisions were spent) could rest satisfied with the bread of the day in its day, and depend upon God for fresh supplies to-morrow. [2.] Thus he tried whether they would serve him, and be always faithful to so good a Master, that provided so well for his servants; and hereby he made it appear to all the world, in the issue, what an ungrateful people they were, whom nothing could affect with a sense of obligation.

Of Chapter 17, Henry notes,

We may be in the way of our duty, and yet may meet with troubles, which Providence brings us into for the trial of our faith, and that God may be glorified in our relief.

Can you  think of a time you felt tried and God would have been happy in our satisfaction with His answer?  For me, it is hard to distinguish those events, but I have to think that they have occurred.

Put yourself in this position, God has said you be the go-between and enter your in-laws with their advice and counsel.  Truly, not so simple a situation, Henry notes about Moses' handling,

Note, Necessary business must always take place of ceremonious attentions. It is too great a compliment to our friends to prefer the enjoyment of their company before our duty to God, which ought to be done, while yet the other is not left undone. [2.] Though Moses was advanced to great honour, yet he did not therefore take his case and throw upon others the burden of care and business; no, he thought his preferment, instead of discharging him from service, made it more obligatory upon him. Those think of themselves above what is meet who think it below them to do good. It is the honour even of angels themselves to be serviceable. [3.] Though the people had been provoking to him, and were ready to stone him ch. 17:4

I really enjoy the stories about Moses, because he was so entrusted and handled it so well and we can learn a lot from him.