Introduction
In this devotional, we explore Exodus 16-18 and Matthew 19:16-30, passages that offer insights into dependence on God, the challenge of earthly riches, and the nature of true discipleship. These scriptures from different eras provide profound teachings on God's provision, the cost of following Him, and the principles of life in His kingdom, resonating with Reformed and covenant theology.
Exodus 16-18 Summary
Exodus 16-18 recounts the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, where they confront hunger, thirst, and warfare. God miraculously provides manna and quail to address their hunger and brings water from a rock to quench their thirst. These events demonstrate God's continual provision for His people. The battle against Amalek introduces Joshua, and Moses’ need for assistance from Aaron and Hur. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises Moses to appoint judges to help lead the people, highlighting the importance of wise leadership and delegation.
Matthew 19:16-30 Summary
In Matthew 19:16-30, Jesus engages with a rich young man asking about eternal life. Jesus challenges him to sell his possessions and follow Him, exposing the difficulty of relying on wealth for security. The disciples are perplexed by Jesus' teaching on the challenge for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus emphasizes the sacrifices made for the kingdom's sake and the rewards, both now and in the future, for those who follow Him, culminating in the promise of eternal life.
Key Theological Concepts
Divine Provision and Human Dependence: The Israelites' dependence on God for sustenance in Exodus mirrors the call for spiritual dependence in Matthew, as Jesus challenges the rich young man to rely on God rather than wealth.
Challenges of Wealth and Kingdom Values: Jesus’ interaction with the rich young man highlights the tension between earthly riches and the values of the kingdom of God, a key aspect of Reformed theology's understanding of discipleship.
Leadership, Wisdom, and Community Life: Moses' experiences with Jethro and the establishment of judges underscore the importance of wise leadership and community support, paralleled by Jesus teaching the disciples about the nature of service and reward in God’s kingdom.
Reflection
Exodus 16-18 and Matthew 19:16-30, while set in different times, both address the theme of reliance on God and the challenges of material wealth and leadership. The Israelites' journey in the wilderness teaches about God's faithful provision and the need for wise leadership in the community of faith. In Matthew, Jesus' conversation with the rich young man and His subsequent teaching to the disciples highlight the difficulty of prioritizing earthly wealth over kingdom values. These passages challenge us to examine our priorities, our dependence on God, and our understanding of true discipleship.
Application Points
Trust in God’s Provision: Reflect on God’s provision in your life, as He provided for the Israelites, and trust Him to meet your needs.
Evaluate Your Relationship with Wealth: Consider how your possessions and wealth may affect your relationship with God and your commitment to His kingdom.
Embrace Wisdom in Leadership and Service: Learn from Moses’ and Jesus’ examples of leadership and service, seeking to lead and serve with wisdom, humility, and dependence on God.
Prayer
Lord God, as we contemplate the lessons from Exodus and the teachings of Jesus in Matthew, we are reminded of Your faithful provision, the challenge of earthly riches, and the principles of godly leadership. Help us to trust in Your provision, to hold our possessions loosely, and to lead and serve in ways that honor You. May our hearts be fully devoted to Your kingdom, seeking first Your righteousness and glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.