painting pictures of Egypt

I've recently been reading in the book of Exodus about the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, how the Lord provided a way out for them, and then their subsequent time in the wilderness en route to the land God had promised them.  For many, it is a familiar story - one that we learned about when we were kids.  But it seems that every time I revisit these chapters, I am struck by how quickly the Israelites seem to forget the Lord's very tangible presence with and provision for them.  Even when they are barely out of Egypt, complaining seems to become their default response:  why have you led us out here to be killed by Pharoah's army?  What are we going to drink? What are we going to eat?  When I read these accounts, I want to say something like: "Hello-o-o-o-o.  Um, do you remember all those plagues back in Egypt - and how you were spared from them?  Remember the Red Sea - that you walked through?  And check out that huge pillar of cloud & fire that is leading you!  And what about the food that appears each day for you - in the exact amount you need?  Why exactly is it that you think God isn't going to continue providing for you?!"

Exodus 17:7 says that "the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the LORD by saying, 'Is the LORD going to take care of us or not?'"  And even though it seems crazy that they would be asking that question, I can't critique their response without looking at the many times I have asked the very same question.  This sentiment is a complaint, and yet in some ways it is also a legitimate concern and question.  The things the Israelites are wanting - a way of escape, water, food - all have to do with basic necessities needed for life, which are valid concerns!  And yet at the same time, it seems that they have a short-term memory problem . . . the questions they ask seem to be entirely disconnected from the clear and practical ways the Lord has been providing for them.

As I think about the times when I ask this same question (is the Lord going to take care of me or not?), I am struck by the fact that the vast majority of the time, the issue at hand isn't about basic necessities - but is more often about my own comfort, fulfillment, or enjoyment.  And even in those circumstances, my complaint is also disconnected from the ways that the Lord provides for me on a daily basis - not only what I need, but so much above & beyond that.  What a skewed perspective I have of what I think I deserve!

This doesn't mean that we shouldn't be asking the Lord for His provision - not only for needs, but for wants (more on that in a later post).  But for me, reflecting on the Israelites' interactions with the Lord, I am reminded of how motive and attitude are so significant when we ask things of the Lord.  Am I asking in faith - believing that He will continue to provide for me and that He is at work for my good?  Or am I asking with bitterness & complaint - because I'm feeling uncomfortable and want to be in control?

One of Sara Groves' songs always comes to mind when I read about the Israelites in the wilderness - she so clearly gets at the struggles we all have with putting active trust in the Lord for our present & our future.  Lyrics are below or you can listen here.

Painting Pictures of Egypt

I don’t want to leave here
I don’t want to stay
It feels like pinching to me either way
The places I long for the most
Are the places where I’ve been
They are calling after me like a long lost friend

It’s not about losing faith
It’s not about trust
It’s all about comfortable
When you move so much
The place I was wasn’t perfect
But I had found a way to live
It wasn’t milk or honey
But then neither is this

Chorus:
I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
The future seems so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I've learned
And those roads closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise
And the things I know

If it comes too quick
I may not recognize it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
If it comes too quick
I may not appreciate it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?