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Exodus 16 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
I’ve had the opportunity over the years to witness many young people and adults get confronted with the Gospel and respond to the call. In most of those situations, the moment their hearts are confronted, things start to get messy. It’s so common that it’s almost expected. Once the Holy Spirit has enlightened you to the reality of following Jesus, the responsibility to repent and turn from your old life is an overwhelming thought.
Unfortunately, many of those whom I’ve seen make commitments to Christ have simply turned back to their old habits very quickly. Like the Israelites, they were freed from their bondage but were enticed back by the ease of life. Yes, it’s true that they didn’t have freedom (they were chained to Egypt) but their basic needs were met and they knew what the next day would bring.
Now, the uncertainty of wandering, the uncertainty of basic needs, and the impatience of avoiding any kind of struggle has brought about grumbling. The target ends up being Moses.
What I’ve learned is that in these situations, the enemy will use selfishness and negativity to bring an individual right back to where they started – but with a more hardened heart. Oftentimes, the one trying to lead them will catch the blunt force of the rebellion. But is this really true? Moses tells the people, you don’t have a problem with me, you have a problem with God.
Moses said, “This will happen when the LORD gives you meat to eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the LORD hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD.”
Exodus 16:8 NASB
It is not easy to turn from your old life of sin. It’s a constant battle and struggle. It’s literally a war. We must expect resistance. We must anticipate sneak attacks. Our Salvation is not anyone else’s responsibility but our own. We must answer for this life we live, and in the end, He will not accept grumbling and excuses because He has given us everything we need to live a Godly life!