Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
Isaiah 48:21 (NIV)
“They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out.”
Isaiah 48:21 (MSG)
“They weren’t thirsty when he led them through the deserts. He made water pour out of the rock; he split the rock and the water gushed.”
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“They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts. He made the waters flow out of the rock for them; He split the rock and the waters flowed.” -AMPLIFIED
“Because the Jews did not see the way opened up for their return, and because great and dangerous wildernesses intervened, the Prophet asserts the power of God, and brings forward examples of it, that they may not be terrified by any difficulty. He therefore bids them consider whether or not God had sufficient power to rescue their fathers from the slavery of Egypt, and to lead them through desolate wildernesses, in which he supplied them with food and water and everything that was necessary for them.” ~John Calvin
In yesterday’s passage, we found God instructing Israel to prepare themselves to leave Babylon. He also urged them to leave with joyful singing and praise, testifying of how He had delivered them. They were to tell everyone that, “Yahweh has reclaimed his servant Jacob.” (NOG)
“Go! Leave Babylon! Flee from Chaldea! Announce it with joyous singing! Let everyone know! Proclaim it to the ends of the earth! Say it loud and clear: “Yahweh has rescued his servant Jacob!” ~Isaiah 48:20 (The Passion Translation)
Today’s text may seem a bit out of place if we took it to stand alone. But in context, it is a reminder to Israel that God has taken care of them in the past. He has provided for them everything they needed. This is a reminder that in this instance He will do so once again. He is still God, and He will continue to take care of His people.
“A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me.” ~Philip Yancey
“And though He guided them through desert places, with no water in sight, they were never thirsty. Just as in Moses’ time, God made the rocks gush water, split the rock and made water pour streaming out.” -(VOICE)
This passage refers back to the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, that period of time when Israel wandered through the wilderness. Reference is made of how God provided water for the children of Israel when they were thirsty wandering through the desert.
“They were not thirsty when he led them through the deserts; he divided the rock, and water gushed out for them to drink.” -(TLB)
“As when he led the people of Israel through the wilderness to Canaan’s land, though they sometimes thirsted for want of water, yet they were supplied with it, by which their thirst was extinguished, to which the reference here is. So when they came out of Babylon, and passed through the waste and desert places which lay between that and Judea, they were supplied with all necessaries.” ~John Gill
The Bible speaks often of God’s provision and care for His children. Here are just a few verses that remind us that God will take care of us.
1.) David reminds us that those who are intent on the Lord will lack nothing.
“Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.” -(TLB)
2.) Asaph reminds us of God’s goodness extended to us even when we are sinners.
“Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings. O Israel, if you will only listen! You must never worship any other god, nor ever have an idol in your home. For it was I, Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Only test me! Open your mouth wide and see if I won’t fill it. You will receive every blessing you can use!” -Psalm 81:8-10 (TLB)
3.) Jesus reminded His followers that God would supply for all of their needs.
“So my counsel is: Don’t worry about things—food, drink, and clothes. For you already have life and a body—and they are far more important than what to eat and wear. Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what to eat—they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.” -Matthew 6:25-26 (TLB)
4.) Paul reminded the Philippian church that God would supply all their needs.
“And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.” -Philippians 4:19 (TLB)
5.) Paul reminded the Romans as well, telling them that God is not stingy, He will do whatever it takes to draw us to Him. ” If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?” -(MSG)
“What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won’t he also surely give us everything else?” -Romans 8:31-32 (TLB)
“What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust Him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens; He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.” ~Charles Spurgeon
My friend, the God who never changes, who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, promised that He would take care of His own. You can trust Him. You may not see or understand how, but He will provide for your every need. Rest in that truth, hold on to His promises. He will take care of you.
“We can be certain that God will give us the strength and resources we need to live through any situation in life that he ordains. The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” ~Billy Graham
My Prayer:
Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, your Word promises that you are the Provider. That you take care of your own, and I am holding on to this promise, Lord. For there are circumstances in my life that seem impossible to me, but I know that nothing is impossible for you. Where I cannot see how you will accomplish certain things, I am reminded that you are a God that still does miracles. You provided for the Israelites all that they had need of in the wilderness, you can provide for me as well. Help my faith and trust to grow stronger in you, Lord. My only hope is in you. ❤
Growing with God 