We can almost hear the frustration in Moses’ voice as he cries out to the Lord. The people are complaining again. They complained when the Egyptian chariots chased them. They complained at Marah because they were thirsty. They complained in the desert of Sin because they wanted more food. Now, at Rephidim, they are complaining about water again.

God has fulfilled the people’s needs at every point of their journey since the night of the Passover. He has fought for them and provided for them again and again. Even now, he provides water for them and, soon after, makes sure they defeat the Amalekites in battle. Despite their grumbling and complaints, he is gracious towards them.

God is more patient with the people than Moses is and, frankly, more patient than any of us usually are. He is committed to these people – he has made a covenant with them, and he loves them, despite their failings and grumblings. Although they make the same mistakes over and over, he offers a second chance, and he remains faithful to his commitment.

We will all be faced with people who act in ways that might make us as frustrated as Moses was on that day at Rephidim – sometimes we ourselves might be those people! - but the Lord calls us to commit to the fellowship of believers, the body of Christ. If we are serious about that commitment, then we will need to receive God’s grace in order that we might show that same grace to those around us.

next devotional >>

 

 

NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH