After Moses and Aaron spoke on the Lord’s behalf, Moses continued the discourse. It is similar to what they had said prior, yet slightly nuanced. Let’s find out more as we consider Today’s Holy Nougat.
Exodus 16:8 AFV
[8] And Moses said, “You will see when the Lord shall give you flesh to eat at sunset and bread to the full at sunrise, for the Lord hears your murmurings which you murmur against Him. And what are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.”
Meat and Bread 1
As a true carnivore, I don’t like to entertain the idea of meatless meals. At least, not for the evening meal. So, discovering that YHWH blessed the Children of Israel with meat daily, sounds good to me. But it doesn’t sound like punishment is implied in the tone of Moses and Aaron’s speech. In fact, it seemed like a reward. Having visited a desert once, I know that providing meat for so many families was a miracle. Had I been among those traversing from Egypt, my doubts about YHWH might have escalated.
Self-Check
Does doubt in God’s capacity to do what God has (personally) promised us affect our relationship with God?
Deeper Dive
We read earlier that sunset would provide proof of God’s salvific power. Do we think that was what the meat would do? If so, how?
Now, I confess, having read the passage before, I know that the meat was neither lamb nor fish. If it had been either of those, we could see it as a foreshadowing of Christ’s salvific work. But it wasn’t about that. Rather, we sense that the provision of meat was proof that YHWH would meet all their needs on the journey, with some of their wants on the side. This is crucial to us who believe that God calls some away from our comfort zones for a souled-out life.
God does not call us to places where God can’t provide for us. Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will supply our every need according to God’s riches in Christ. Not ours. We don’t always know how God will provide, but we rest assured in the knowledge that God will provide. I have seen mothers provide gourmet meals for their children out of nothing. I know that our God can do the same for each of us.
Of course, there’s also the logical thought that at sunset, all animals go to watering holes or find their roost. It is possible that God’s provision was strictly about animal psychology or wildlife patterns. Had that been the case, how would we explain the lack of meat for the 30 days prior? Siblings, let us be reminded, assured, and comforted that YHWH hardly ever conforms to our logic. And since YHWH is God before, within and beyond time, it may be that we are the ones who must yield to YHWH’s plans.
In the provision of meat in the desert for the Children of Israel, I see God orchestrating details beyond our expectations. That’s what Paul said to the believers in Ephesians 3:20. Paul says that God accomplishes the seemingly impossible through the power that works in us.
The power that works in us is God’s Spirit.
The same power that presented the plague on the abusive powers to realise the Children of Israel’s freedom.
The same power that overthrew the pharaoh and his armies.
The same power that provided meat for the Children of Israel despite their grumblings.
The same power that was present with and for the Children of Israel throughout their entire journey.
The power that proved God keeps God’s promises then – to the Children of Israel – and now, to each of us.
Do we continue to doubt God’s power?
Point to Ponder
How has God’s provision of meat in our wilderness experience helped us to relate to God differently? Selah
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May all we seek be found in Christ
