4 WEEK Israelites Long for Egypt Exodus 16:2-21; 17:1-7 MEMORY VERSE Luke 12:15 NIrV For hundreds of years, God s people had lived as slaves in Egypt. Life was difficult, but the Egyptians wanted their slaves to be strong, so they made sure the Israelites had plenty of food, at least. Over and over, God s people cried out for help, and at last God led them out of slavery... and into the desert. Instead of being grateful, the Israelites found a host of new things to whine about. They crowded around their leader Moses and his brother Aaron with their complaints. It would have been easier if we d just stayed back in Egypt. We had a meat buffet every day! 1
You brought us into this sand trap to die. God had kept the Israelites safe from Pharaoh s entire army when He rescued them in Egypt, yet they didn t trust that God could give them what they needed now. Moses poured out his frustration to God. What do I do? he cried. They re whining about everything they had in Egypt! God spoke to Moses, who called together the people. Moses and his brother Aaron shared God s words with everyone. They re whining about everything they had in Egypt! Come to the Lord, said Aaron. He has heard you speaking against him. He knows how unhappy you are. As Aaron spoke, the glory of the Lord appeared as a cloud, hovering in the desert. 2
Moses added, God says, When the sun goes down, you will eat meat. In the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God. Well, the sun s setting. But I don t see any onions and crocodile, griped one man. Soup of the day still looks like sand stew. Just then, the people heard a rush of wings. Wait... are those quail? I bet they taste like chicken. God had sent flocks of birds, and that evening, the Israelites had all the meat they could eat. And in the morning, they woke to something new on the ground: thin white flakes that looked like frost. Moses called out to the people. It s the bread the Lord has given you to eat. Gather as much as you need for the day. Each morning, the bread, called manna, appeared again. And every evening, the quail returned. The Israelites were no longer hungry, but they still found reasons to complain. Once again, they crowded around Moses. Why did 3
you bring us out here? We re about to die of thirst! If God was really with us, things would be better. Why are you arguing with me? demanded Moses. Why are you testing the Lord? Instead of remembering all that God had given them and how He promised to take care of them, the people got so upset they tried to take it out on Moses. Why are you arguing with me? demanded Moses. He cried out to God. What am I going to do with these people? They re ready to throw stones at me! Go out in front of the people, God told him. Take in your hand the walking stick you used when you struck the Nile River. Go. I will stand there in front of you by the rock at Mount Horeb. Hit the rock. Then water will come out of it for the people to drink. 4
Moses did as God commanded, and a stream of cold, clear water gushed from the solid rock. Even though the people had continued to whine, God gave them water to drink. God had continually given the Israelites what they needed, as they needed it. But they were so focused on what they had in Egypt that they kept missing out on what God was providing for them each day in the wilderness. Let s Talk! Whether you re a kid or a parent, it s easy to start complaining, especially when it seems like things used to be better. For example, it could be the memory of your old house, your old school, or that sugary brand of cereal your mom stopped buying. Each of you share something you ve heard the other person complain about recently. Whining tells a lie: things used to be great, but they re terrible now. The truth is, God was with you then, and He s also with you now. God wants to use your new situation and the things you have now to do something amazing in your life! But when you whine and focus on what you had, you miss out on the cool things God wants to do right now. Pray for each other, that God will give you eyes to see what He s given you and how He wants to work in your life right now. Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER S VERSION 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. 2018 The rethink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 5