Introduction
Hello all. My name is Seth and this is your daily devotion. This one is sure to step on some toes, but I believe that it’s absolutely necessary to say it. For a people who apparently believe in a loving, merciful and all powerful God, we sure have a lot to be upset about.
Despite the promises, the blessings, the grace and forgiveness, we still wander this earth as if we are victims of something.
Being incredibly stupid isn’t a new concept, however. Let’s turn back the clock and see if we can learn something from history for once.
Complaining in The Bible
Exodus 14:14-The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
For context, the people of Israel are standing in front of the Red Sea while Pharaoh and his army are camped nearby, poised to kill each and every one of them. Naturally, the chosen people of the Almighty God, who had just freed them from slavery and drooped seven plagues upon the enemy, know just what to do in this situation. They immediately start complaining.
It seems they had completely forgotten all of the incedible miracles that had led them to this point. Fortunately God never forgets and always keeps His word, so He sent Moses to give them a less than friendly reminder. In my personal opinion, Exodus 14:14 has to be one of the most important statements in the entire Bible, but let’s move on.
Complaining in The Modern age
Fast forward a few thousand years or more and God’s people are still complaining about everything we perceive to be a threat.
“Gas prices are too high.”
“Taxes are too high.”
“They wanna take our freedoms.”
“They wanna take our guns.”
“Public schools are indoctrinating our children.”
“We need to fight to protect our rights.”
This is, apparently, what it sounds like to have faith. If I were a non-believer, I would be truly inspired by the incredible resolve of the Christians. Heck, I might even convert and begin a relationship with the wonderful savior they have. At least the Israelites were fearing for their lives. We throw a temper tantrum anytime we’re slightly inconvenienced.
If you’re mad right now, you should be. Be mad that the ones who are supposed to be examples of Jesus Christ are acting like they never knew Him. Be mad enough to want to do something about it. Pay attention though, this final part is important.
God Controls Our Disasters
We know how this story finishes. God splits the Red Sea, His people walk across safely and the Egyptians perish, but here’s something else mentioned in the same chapter. It says that God hardened the Pharaoh’s heart and then Pharaoh pursued the Israelites. God caused the enemy to attack His people. Why?
Firstly to lure the enemy into a trap and prove that He is almighty, and secondly, to remind His people to trust Him and stop griping. God is in control of our disasters, but they don’t have to stay disasters if we choose to keep our faith.
Conclusion/Prayer
There is one clear and very crucial message God wants us to hear from this story and many others in the Bible. The New King James says “hold your peace.” The English Standard says “you need only to be quiet.” I’m going to break this down into two words that anyone can easily understand.
Shut up! God has decided what will and won’t happen. His ways are perfect and we need to shut up. There is not one thing that happens that God doesn’t oversee, so if He throws something scary at us, He’s putting us to the test. How are we going to respond? Keep our peace and trust in Him or grumble amongst each other, as if it’s going to change anything? Let’s pray on this.
Father God, we want to thank you firstly for your patience. Only You have the grace that is sufficient to put up with us. Please forgive us for our lack of faith and our continued ungratefulness. Remind us of your promises and faithfulness and teach us to trust in you more. There is no way of the world that you cannot overcome. We need to know that in our hearts. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
That’s all I’ve got for you. Go in peace.