QT 3/18/2026 Exo 16:16-36, We scheme instead of obey

Exodus 16:25–31 (ESV) —

25 Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is a Sabbath, there will be none.”

27 On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

31 Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

 

NOTE: Why do we do this? I think it is greed. Yes, we have enough (of something), but we want more. God was clear in the instructions, but at first He does not say "not to go out" but rather "on the seventh day there will be none" and "tomorrow is a day of solemn rest." Together it is clear, they are not to go out on the Sabbath, but they do. Afterwards, God says "remain … in (your) place; let no one go out …."

 

There is a fundamental problem with instructions to people. They interpret the rules how they want the rules to sound. In a sense, we still want to be our own gods, even after hearing the one true God's instructions. The literal meaning is clear, but we reply "you didn't say …." What game are we trying to play? God gave us a mind to think, not to scheme out of truth.

 

Periodically, I watch videos of people getting pulled over for a traffic violation. Over and over and over again, the same stupid statements are being repeated. "What did I do? What is my crime? Why are you doing this? You can't do this! You have no right! …," even after being answered many multiple of times by the officers. What does it mean? We are SINNERS, enemies of God, and in danger of eternity in Hell unless we come to faith in Jesus Christ. Our big mouths will not save us, they just condemn us. Stop, repent, listen to God's word, and obey!

 

PONDER:

1. Do I obey God's commands?
2. Do I scheme out of truth, thinking I am so smart?

 

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our ugly sin. How can you stand to see the amount of sin going on in the world every minute? How great is your mercy! Open our eyes to our foolishness.