A Daily Purpose

 

An interesting grumbling begins to happen as the Israelites think fondly back to their enslavement—the pots of meat. (Exodus 17:3) Food, a form of influencing that dates back to the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4-6) and links Esau’s (Genesis 25:29-34) attitude to many of us today. If we have a good meal, we may not think negatively about a system whose constrictive methods do not allow the worship of God—giving up an unknown treasure to meet an immediate need. 

Need for Refreshment?!

In Shur’s desert, the bitter water (Exodus 15:23) needed a branch filtration system to make the water sweet and drinkable. We see the imagery of the branch used here as tangible evidence of God. He is the all-powerful cleansing agent. 

How often do we forget to drink from the cup of the Lord before we begin performing our plans? 

I know I do, so you’re not alone.

It’s easy to get ahead of God if we aren’t mindful that He is the One who knows all. Because the enemy will remind us of our comforts and the seductive good food(things) we crave. God shows us how to gain victory over temptation and lustful desires. Fasting and praying bring our appetites under control. 

The Lord trained His people to eat to live, not live to eat. Heavenly food rained down for the Israelites. There is no question that God wants His congregation to look up for their strength and nourishment, not to human-made things. 

Deception

The enemy’s lie is that we need to have excitement each day and dare to leap into new areas without looking to God for His answer. (The greedy appetite must be satisfied. Exodus 16:8) If we were to think about what we forfeit by giving in to temporary temptation, we would strive for the eternal benefit of being with Christ. 

Meditate on Proverbs 6:23 and ask yourself:

1. How hungry is your need for alternative delectables? 
2. What birthright will you disregard to satisfy a temporary desire?
3. Will not God care for your needs if you trust Him?   

Try drinking from the sweet cup of Jesus and toss the bitterness away. We should never tire of praising our Lord for His refining process. (Revelation 4:8) Holy, Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty Who was and is and is to come. Exodus 16:4, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”

Will you trust God, Who remains faithful to His word? Or will you chase the temporary excitement of autonomy and idolize the bread of the world? 

Will you only come to Jesus on your terms?