8/20/2025
"So Moses said to them, 'Why do you contend
with me? Why do you tempt the LORD?'"
Exodus 17:2b
In keeping with our daily adventures, this morning Pastor Jack shared from Exodus 17 a passage of scripture that coincides with how we generally approach life when we stumble across a rock...or pebble...depending on your perspective...in the road.
"Then all the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the Wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people contended with Moses, and said, 'Give us water, that we may drink.' So Moses said to them, 'Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the LORD?'" (Exodus 17:1-2)
How soon we forget our daily manna and quail! "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
Contrary to the belief of some, God is not a vending machine that pushes out the desired object or answer to prayer as we push the button. Nor did He create us to be puppets dancing to the hymns of heaven as He pulls the strings. God is Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. He is LORD over all, and He will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7). This is the lesson we need to learn, as "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). He is holy, and our approach to Him is to be with respect and honor. We are told to enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise (Psalm 100:4). But most of the time we need to shut up and listen. Silence can be the best answer to prayer. That and gratitude.
I have spoken of the "pruning process" and the "refining fires" and the "pressing" as we journey through this life. Before Jesus died, He prayed for His followers, then He prayed for us, those who would believe because of the word of testimony shared by each of His disciples.
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one." (John 17:15)
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:20-21)
There is so much noise going on in Israel over what should be done, and the division within and outside of the nation is tumultuous. Prime Minister Netanyahu is an honorable man who loves God, who prays in synagogue, who visits the troops, who visits the families of the hostages, who appears before government by those who wrongfully accuse him of evil, and who has visited our country by invitation and spoken before anyone who will listen or who cares. Yet he stands with quiet resolve, in God's strength, covered by a multitude of prayers, and speaks to the nation, and the world, confronting lies, speaking truth and hope. He is not perfect, as I have stated so many times that AI is trained to spit it out for me (if I allowed it, which I most certainly will not). Israel wants peace. They did not seek out this war, they were viciously attacked and civilians slaughtered and taken hostage. Yet, so many countries have turned their backs on Him. Woe to the nation who falls into that death trap for God has clearly stated His stand in Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Daily we meet and pray for Israel's leaders, intelligence, the soldiers, the hostages, the families, and anyone and anything concerning this peaceful nation who has given us so much and wants to be our friend. Thankfully they are America's friend and ally. But we also pray for our nations and the world situation, even personal needs of those participating in the call. It becomes overwhelming, but we continue to stand. That is the call of God.
In Ephesians 6:1-20, we are given the whole armor of God that we put on daily, understanding that our battle is not with flesh and blood - with each other - but it is against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 gives us the additional cover that we need to apply, as do several other scriptures, so that we have the right mind within us. One of victory.
Many people are soft speaking when they pray, quoting the word, as we always should do, fully trusting each word God has spoken, knowing that in His time, the answer will come. Then there are others who become loud and shout, and whereas there is a place for that, it is not always necessary. The same can be said with lengthy prayers that go on and on, often repeating the same things. Now, realize I am not poking fun or ridiculing anyone. I talk to God all day, and sometimes I get angry about the situation and want to kick the devil in the butt. I have even shown his cronies the door. But, I feel, that going overboard gives more attention to the enemy than to God who is the Author and Finisher/Perfecter of our faith. There are times when the best advice I can give someone who is worn out from waiting, or shouting, or downcast is found in verse 13 of Ephesians 6, "having done all, stand!" Be silent and listen to what God has to say. Listen for the still, small voice. Stand on the truth of His word and His promises. Simply put to me, more than once, straight from the Lord: "Do you trust Me?" Selah
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