In Exodus 15-17 we read of the Israelites first experiences on the freedom side of the Red Sea. The first act of the Israelites as free people was to offer a song of deliverance to God. They remembered what God had done for them. This was a high point for the Israelites. When God delivers us, blesses us, provides for us, the appropriate response is praise.
Unfortunately, the people of Israel didn’t get it right for long. Soon after their praise service in the wilderness, they came across a pool of water that was bitter. They complained. God made the water safe to drink. Next the Israelites complained they didn’t have meat to eat. God provided quail and manna. When the water ran low the Israelites complained again. God provided water. Are you sensing a pattern.? The Israelites had seen the amazing power of God through all the plagues in Egypt, through the parting of the Red Sea, and now as He provided time after time for each of their needs. Yet, every time they face a problem, they complained. What can we learn from this? Don’t complain. Easier to say than to do, isn’t it? God promises when we put Him first, He will provide for our needs. The Israelites in the wilderness are an incredible example of the truth of that. Let’s not learn from pattern of complaining at every turn, but from their praising God when He provided!
In Exodus 17 God showed the Israelites and us an important lesson as the Israelites fought the Amalekites. The lesson doesn’t come directly from the battlefield, but from Moses, who watched the battle from a vantage point above the conflict. When Moses held up his staff the Israelites prevailed, but when Moses grew tired and lowered the staff, the Amalekites did. Finally, Aaron and Hur stood beside Moses and held up his arms so the staff was always raised. The Israelites prevailed! What’s the point? At least two come quickly to mind: 1) Intercession is vital; and 2) We all need help. Moses’ intercession for the Israelite soldiers had as much impact as those who were in the middle of the conflict. We need to remember the spiritual component of every conflict in our lives. We can’t see it, but there is always a spiritual battle going on around us, and our intercessory prayers are vital to victory. Aaron and Hur ultimately became as important to the victory as Moses. He couldn’t bear the staff alone. Many times we want to be “Lone Rangers,” but even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!
As we reread Mark 3 we are reminded of Jesus’ interaction with the religious leaders on a Sabbath, which as usual was negative. The religious leaders were more concerned about observing their traditions, than with a man being healed. As we remember this moment, it’s vital for us to remember never to let our traditions or pre-conceived ideas get in the way of letting Jesus work in our lives. Massive crowds continue to follow Jesus as His teaching, preaching, healing and delivering ministry continues to impact the region of norther Israel. In the midst of all the activity Jesus takes time out to select the twelve disciples. Mark tells us Jesus called them first that they might “be with” Jesus. Interesting, isn’t it? Jesus needed to train the twelve to take over when He left, but the first thing they needed to do was simply be with Jesus, to be in relationship with Him. This helps us see how important it is for us to have others with us in relationship and in training for future ministry. As Jesus continues to minister, He has another run in with the religious leaders who say He is able to cast out demons by the authority of Satan. Jesus responds by pointing out that no kingdom or house divided against itself can stand. Finally, Jesus’ family gets involved. They think He might be crazy. When some in the crowd tell Jesus His family is looking for them, He tells the crowd anyone who does His Father’s will is His mother, and sister and brother. What a helpful reminder that Jesus ultimate goal was to bring each of us into His family, a family that will continue forever!