Is the Lord among Us or Not?
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
The desert experience can make you or break you.
Can you hold out?
Is the Lord among Us or Not?
by Randal Matheny
The question wasn't a search for information, but
a complaint. A challenge, really.
At Test-and-Quarrel, shortly after seeing the Lord
part the Red Sea, Israel got a little thirsty.
Their physical desire got so acute, Moses feared
for his life.
What is so frightening about the people's question
is their attitude (read Exodus 17:1-7). They imply
that, if the Lord is with us, he will give us what
we want, when we want it. If he doesn't, he must
not be among us. Must not be for us. Must not be
with us.
As if this journey were theirs. As if the idea of
leaving Egypt had been their initiative. As if
they were calling the shots.
They wanted the Lord God of Heaven to act at their
behest. Expected the Sovereign Creator to open the
spigot on demand.
Aren't we just like them?
- Where was God on September 11, 2002?
- Why did God let Columbia explode?
- Why did God let my baby die?
- Doesn't He care that I'm suffering?
- How can He let me (fill in the blank)?
Though these questions may be legitimate, they may
also reflect the whinings of a spoiled child
wanting it when he wants it.
And they may be the evidence of our failure to
pass the test.
So let's make sure that where we live is not named
Test-and-Quarrel. Massah and Meribah. May your
life gain the title Tried-and-Faithful.
----
Changing email addresses? Don't forget to change it
in your subscription. [email protected]