Cried To The Lord (Exodus 17:4)

 


Thursday, May 1, 2025


Psalms 1; 2

Exodus 16:22-17:7

Luke 24:13-27


Observance: Philip and James, apostles and martyrs


Cried To The Lord (Exodus 17:4)


So Moses cried to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.”


We see in today’s first lesson a story that plays out in our own lives, every day, multiple times a day. Firstly, there are the people: they are being led through the wilderness by a column of smoke by day and a column of fire by night, an unmistakable sign of God’s presence. And yet in their grumbling they blame Moses for leading them into the wilderness. God’s providential hand is guiding their lives literally every step of the way – and they cannot see it.


Next, we have Moses. The manner in which the people complained to him must have been terrifying, for he thought they were going to kill him. But his first reaction – almost an instinct by this point – is to turn to God in prayer. In fear for his life, he turns to the One who holds the power of life.


Lastly, we have God himself. In spite of the fact his people are grumbling, testing, contending, and breathing murder against his chosen leader, God sends bread from heaven, meat from the sky, and water from the cleft of the rock.


These things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did (2 Corinthians 10:6). Firstly, the lesson from the grumblers: if we find ourselves grumbling, then we ought to do two things. We ought to see if we are really grumbling against God by taking it out on someone else. And if we are grumbling against God, are we grumbling simply because we can’t see his obvious good providence over our lives? Then, the lesson from Moses: every Christian has that gut feeling that we don’t pray enough. So let’s keep praying, because who knows what miracle God will perform through our prayers.


If we are going to let St Paul into our reflections on this passage, let’s let him speak a little more. In 1 Corinthians 10, he is encouraging the church to make sure we are heart Christians, and not just professing Christians. All the Israelites drank from the rock in the wilderness, but not all Israelites survived the journey. Let us ask ourselves, as the Israelites did at Massah and Meribah: “Is the Lord among us or not?” Does Christ dwell in your heart? Perhaps now is a good time to ask him. You may be surprised at the loving response you receive.


Christ our rock and our redeemer: grant us the mercy of your patience, that we may discover anew your presence in our hearts, and present ourselves to you afresh so that you may lead us into the promise of your kingdom.

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