Going straight to the Cross
 

Is the Lord among Us or Not?

by Randal Matheny

The question wasn't a search for information, but a complaint. A challenge, really.

At Test-and-Quarrel, shortly after seeing the Lord part the Red Sea, Israel got a little thirsty. Their physical desire got so acute, Moses feared for his life.

What is so frightening about the people's question is their attitude (read Exodus 17:1-7). They imply that, if the Lord is with us, he will give us what we want, when we want it. If he doesn't, he must not be among us. Must not be for us. Must not be with us.

As if this journey were theirs. As if the idea of leaving Egypt had been their initiative. As if they were calling the shots.

They wanted the Lord God of Heaven to act at their behest. Expected the Sovereign Creator to open the spigot on demand.

Aren't we just like them?

  • Where was God on September 11, 2002?
  • Why did God let Columbia explode?
  • Why did God let my baby die?
  • Doesn't He care that I'm suffering?
  • How can He let me (fill in the blank)?

Though these questions may be legitimate, they may also reflect the whinings of a spoiled child wanting it when he wants it.

And they may be the evidence of our failure to pass the test.

So let's make sure that where we live is not named Test-and-Quarrel. Massah and Meribah. May your life gain the title Tried-and-Faithful.

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Forthright Magazine continues, more dynamic than ever! We have groups created for FMag on Facebook and the Churches of Christ Network. Announcement blog is up and going on Preachers Files. Email lists about FMag and FPress are available both on Yahoo and GoogleGroups. And, to top it all off, we're twittering for both on Twitter.com.
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