God Does Provide

What this episode covers

Exodus 16:13-21 Seven years ago, there was a new baby in our house. We were thankful God blessed us with a healthy baby boy. My wife and I were excited to have another child, and we did our best to care for him. Like all babies, there were many things he needed, and as a baby, he could do very little for himself. We fed him, bathed him, changed him, and at first, we really did everything for him. Yes, he had ways of letting us know what he needed, but as soon as we knew, we would do our best to help him. STUDY QUESTIONS As new parents, we were thrilled to help our son; we wanted to provide for him and help him in everything we could. This example gives us a glimpse of God’s heart. Just like we wanted to provide and care for our child, God wants to provide and care for His children. II Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” The prophet Hanani said this to King Asa; however, this has always been God’s heart. This verse gives me the idea that God is looking, searching for those who trust Him, then when He finds someone, He is right there to help. Just like the first few days our son was home, we were there as soon as we heard the smallest noise. I am sure God is a much better parent than we were, but just like we as parents wanted to provide and care for our son, so God loves to provide and care for His children. If you can, turn to Exodus 16. Today we will see God’s unique provision for the children of Israel. We are so glad you joined us; now, let’s go with Bible teacher J. Mark Horst to Exodus 16.  Too many of us take undue pride in our own achievements. We give too little credit to God. We somehow feel that, given our own abilities, we can make it. We forget that God is the one Who gave us our abilities, our power to earn a living, even the very breath we breathe. Our pride makes us reluctant to give God any kind of credit. We forget that God’s open hand of mercy is what feeds every living creature, as the Psalmist very clearly tells us. Were it not for His mercy, we would be consumed. The end would be upon us if God did not continue to extend His mercy to all living creatures everywhere. It is important to recognize God’s gracious provision for us. In Exodus 16:13-21 there is the account of how GOD DOES PROVIDE. He does it beautifully, faithfully, effectively, and abundantly. Listen as I read that text. 13.  And it came to pass, that in the evening the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host. 14.  And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. 15.  And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they knew not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat. 16.  This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. 17.  And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less. 18.  And when they measured it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and...

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