February 8th: Exodus 16, Psalm 70-71 and Mark 4

I wonder if we as Christians are like the Israelites when it comes to innovation?  The first time the Israelites face problems during the exodus, they start to grumble. God helps them through it. But when the hard stuff comes again, they are back to square one, and the complaining starts again.  I have to think that initially, they were amped to leave Egypt.  Freedom.  A change. Hope had come to fruition. 

There are huge similarities with the church.  We want to leave the old ways... the familiar... the bondage of our past ideas, frustrations and annoyances (OK, making bricks and having your sons killed more than an annoyance.  I know it breaks down a little there).  But real innovation is scary.  It's exciting at first, sure, but what about when the grumbling starts, when the water runs out?  After the planning, after the big event, what then?  The follow through sure is hard.

So this only loosely ties into the passage, but it's on my mind right now