PRIME - Day 9

Read Exodus 17 & 18.

In chapter 17, we again read of God's faithfulness to the grumbling Israelites. It's as if their current problem has caused temporary amnesia to the times when God has provided for them before. Not just in small ways, but in miraculous ways! The Israelites are blinded by their current problem, (no water and they are pretty thirsty), and all they can seem to do is complain about it to Moses. God commands Moses to strike a rock and water comes gushing out for the Israelites to drink...yet another miracle proving God's power and love for his people.

I thought it was pretty interesting that Moses was commanded to perform this miracle with the very same shepherd's staff that he used when he turned the Nile into blood. And after this miracle, he uses the same staff to help Joshua and his troops beat the Amalek army (verses 11-13). This made me think...

God has already given us the tools we need to carry out His will in our lives.

In chapter 18, we read about Jethro (Moses' father-in-law) visiting Moses and encouraging him. Verse 9 says, "Jethro was delighted when he heard about all that the Lord had done for Israel as he brought them out of Egypt." Jethro was no doubt swelling with pride as he heard of how Moses was being used by God. Not only was Jethro there to encourage Moses, he also found out what all Moses was having to do by himself and wisely told Moses in verse 18 "You're going to wear yourself out - and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself".

How often have you felt worn out with a heavy burden or responsibility?

Jethro tells Moses to appoint judges over groups of men to help carry the load and make the task easier for him. Sometimes we need people to lovingly put their arm around us and say, "you are doing too much, breathe and ask for help." If you are trying to do too much on your own remember that the burden was not meant for you to carry alone. Matthew 11:29-30 says, "Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 


-Amy