September 20, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for September 20th: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105”1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16, Theme: The Lord will provide in all situations; Song: And are we yet alive UMH 553 Exodus: It seems universal, that when situations get difficult, that people tend to get angry and tend to take their frustrations out on the people around them. When God calls the Isrealites out of bondage and into freedom in the desert; the people don’t see the freedom all they see is the hardship. They have to adjust to a new way of living, and at every challenge they ask why – why are they here. The are blaming Moses and Aaron for leading them out here. But it is God who speaks and says that they are okay and that God intends to take care of them. In response to the cries of the people God sends bread and quail for them to eat. When God provides, God tells them not to get greedy and store up what they have. God also sends a light, a presence to be with them throughout all circumstances so that they know they are not alone. That still does not stop the complaining. In this verse alone the people complain about 14 different things. The good news is that God hears their complaints all 14 times. The bad news is that God holds the complaining against them for a very long time. Philippians: Most of us don’t want to think about the day that we die. Today I am mourning the loss of a facebook friend, whom I enjoyed his post. The last post that he gave was mourning the loss of a friend, and celebrating that he was a cancer survivor. A friend came into his office to go to a funeral and found him slumped in his chair. He died at the hospital hours later. Death has taken away his life, but not his legacy. When Paul writes this letter, he is imprisoned. He has come to terms with the fact that he may be killed while he is in custody. He is okay with that, so he says the he will be present with God in life and in death. Less than two years later, he is indeed killed. He realizes that the mission that he has started in the church will go on long past his death. He is encouraging all of us who follow Christ to do all that we can while we are alive, and to realize that Christ will still be with us when we complete our mission. Paul wants to encourage us all to keep going forward, and the know that Christ has already won our battle. Questions: Have you ever complained to God about something? What was it? What was God’s response to you? How is God present in difficult situations? Have you made preparations for the day you die? What do you hope others when carry on when you are dead?