04.29.08 What Is It? And Another Annoying Question.
Last Tuesday Gabriella and I sat down like we always do on Tuesdays and read the next part of the story we Christians call the Bible. As always, this ended in Gabriella asking a question.
You know this story right? After God rained frogs and grasshoppers on the Egyptians, pharaoh let the Israelites go. Then pharaoh sent his chariots out to hunt them down and just then, when it looked like the Israeiltes were done for, the sea parted and the Israelites escaped. Then their stomachs started growling, and they got whiny and formed a committee that talked behind Moses’ back about how much better things were before he was boss...you know, when they were building pyramids for no dollars a day and dressing their little boys like little girls and calling them “Susan” or “Loretta.”
Before they could oust Moses, God shut them up by raining biscuits from Heaven. Every morning they walked out of their tents and found biscuits (sort of) scattered all over the lawn.
The first time this happened some guy must have taken a bite and, not recognizing the flavor, maybe not liking the flavor, maybe a little ungrateful and hoping for French toast instead, he must have asked, “What is it?” He must have because that’s what “manna” means: “What is it?”
But some folks must have really liked the stuff because they started stockpiling it, getting as much of it as they could, which meant other people’s stomachs were left growling. So God made a rule: You can only take what you need for the day, no more. And if anyone broke that rule their bread turned into maggots before they could eat it all.
“Why do you think God made that rule?” I asked.
“Are we gonna talk about poor kids again?”
Derrick Henslee said:
That’s good. You should write a commentary...it might be the only commentary I’d read!
I think this rule has a lot to do with faith and trusting God for provision. It seemed that no matter what God did, the Israelites couldn’t seem to muster enough faith to trust Him.
Looking back, we think they must have been a little thick in the head but in reality, God is just as active in our lives...maybe not as dramatic as parting a sea, or leading us in a tornado of fire every day, but nonetheless He’s just as active in our lives. He’s asking us to have the same type of faith. But we just horde up all our stuff cause it’s easier to trust in it than in a seemingly intangible God. When will I ever learn?
Linda Sue said:
Bless her heart - as we say in Texas - she knows and cares about the poor kids, she just wants to hear the story. DH and I always chuckle about the plight of the Israelites - being fed from the table of Heaven and still they gripe. Plenty to eat - all they had to do was PICK IT UP and they griped. Ahhh - sure glad modern Christians are more in tune with the blessings we receive. Great commentary Shawannn - perhaps ‘los can come and do a Boodaddy episode with your bible stories? Naw - just a thought!
Rachel said:
Oh, kids. I ask a lot of questions, too. It’s in my blood. Hm, maybe that’s why kiddos like me so much…
Glad you’re (patiently) teaching her, Shaun. That is a gift that will keep on giving.
Kelly @ Love Well said:
Ah yes. I know that tone.
It’s a funny story, Shaun, but it brings up a serious question. (In my mind, at least.) How do we educate our children to the hugeness of God, the suffering in this world and God’s amazing grace without making it all seem cliche?
Do you have seven easy steps for us? Or do I need to turn to Brant for that?
Debra Parker said:
I think I have heard those same words from the two that I love.
On the other hand...I have also heard them talking with their friends about children in poor countries.
said:
Hey Shaun,
All I have to say is move over Eugene Peterson...Shaun Groves is on the loose with The Message Of The Message in Modern Contemporary Off The Shelf Language.
Love the blog. Love hearing how God is working in, through, and around you!
Cali Amy said:
Thanks for this Shaun. I haven’t really thought about that story in awhile and I can’t tell you how much it applies to me right now.
I have a hard time mustering the faith to trust in God as someone mentioned before. Especially in our trying economic times which are, incidentally, hitting me in a few different directions right now. I need to remember that God has provided for me today and for right now, that is enough.
euphrony said:
She’s got you figured out. Next week, she teaches you.
said:
Did she say it like she was excited or like she’d rather have dental work done without Novocaine?
Beth
Shaun Groves said:
Her eyes rolled back into her head like a professional 16 year-old...and she’s only seven.
Yikes.
said:
Yikes is right! Take it from the owner of a professional almost 16 year old.
Beth
shayne said:
Don’t hate me for being stupid, but a light bulb went off in my head when I read this.
That’s what all of our extra stuff turns into...not physically maybe, but is that what it looks like in the spirit to God? A bunch of maggots eating away at our souls? Ew.