I. Doubters in the desert (vv. 2-3)

These were people who had seen miracles but now they doubt. They watched as the Nile was turned to blood, as hailstones selectively singled out and killed Egyptian cattle.

They watched as frogs, gnats, boils and darkness infested the land of Egypt. God had struck down the firstborn of Egypt to free His people, yet now they doubt.

They've been saved from slavery, yet death as slaves seems preferable to freedom in the desert. And why? Because of food! Just imagine throwing away lasting freedom for a change in diet!

Isn't it surprising how often we seek temporary pleasure at the expense of faith in the God who never fails to provide?

II. The God who is ever-present (vv. 4-10)

The people grumble, yet God gives His promise. There is no one like God when it comes to a gracious response to people who have failed Him. The God who is ever-present proves to be one who is also ever patient.

After strong words of rebuke through His prophet Malachi, pointing out that the people were robbing Him by their failure to tithe and give appropriate offerings, God gives this promise: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test Me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it" (Mal. 3:10).

Just bring the full tithe in, and you will be blessed. To those who were robbing Him, God gives His promise. Why would we ever doubt such a gracious, forgiving God?

You too can reap the blessings of the God who is ever-present.

III. Manna in the dew (vv. 11-15)

Did you know the word manna literally means, "What is it?" It was bread from heaven, yet their question was, "What is it?"

What is it? It was, for them, the continuing evidence of God's providential care -- manna in the dew and quail in the desert.

What is it? For us it can be blessings in yet unrecognizable form. Ephesians 1:3 says we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. We come to God seeking His blessings. At times, we grumble or complain. Perhaps our faith begins to waver.

What is it? A time of trial, yet God's Word says to consider it a time of joy for He is working for our good.

What is it? Perhaps a time of need, yet God says to have faith, and He will provide.

What is it? It's a time of challenge; a time to serve and work; a time to don the servants robe. The challenge is to do so without complaining or arguing lest we too seem to be doubters in the desert.

Philippians 2:14 puts it quite simply, "Do everything without complaining or arguing." We each have a calling to fulfill, a means by which we serve the God who is ever-present. Will you do so without complaining or arguing? (Dan Nicksich)

Proper 21 (A)

October 6, 2002

The Magnificence of Humility

Philippians 2:1-13

"It's a big wide and wonderful world. I am going to get all I can out of it." She had just finished college, and her ambition was only limited by her imagination. Religion had always been a part of her life, and yet it was really more "user friendly" than anything else. People were expendable, especially if they could help her get where she wanted to go.