August 5, 2024 

Today's Reading: Exodus 16:2-15

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 19:1-24; Acts 28:1-15

“I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.’” (Exodus 16:12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Last week, we read that David cut off Goliath’s head so that the whole earth would know that there’s a God in Israel (1 Samuel 17:46). God’s power testifies to who He is. We have every reason to know Him: to fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. But self-absorbed sinners often quickly forget. The Israelites proved this time and again.

Their grumbling over empty stomachs happened on the heels of what God had done for them at the crossing of the Red Sea. They had seen His power over Pharaoh and his army. Freed from bondage in Egypt, they were making their way to the Promised Land. When Pharaoh and his army were in pursuit, God’s display of power and protection for His people was so incredible! He parted the sea for His people to cross, then put an end to Pharaoh and his army. Afterward, Moses and the people sang, “The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2).

God’s miracles are powerful testimonies to who He is. But when the Israelites were hungry, they threw God’s mercy back in His face and accused Him of evil. “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger” (Exodus 16:3). But what was God’s response? “Behold, I am about to rain down bread from heaven for you” (Exodus 16:4). God provided manna and quail. God continually acted to show them that He was their one true God.

While you were still a sinner, God acted. Christ died for you. St. Paul says that’s how God shows you His love for you (Romans 5:8). In Christ, you know for certain that He is your one true God. Paul says that in the context of suffering. The road from Egypt to the Promised Land could not have been easy. Your pilgrimage isn’t easy either. It’s filled with ups and downs. In the midst of such uncertainty, God rains down manna from heaven. He gives you His Son, not just some spiritual boost, but Christ’s very Body and Blood for forgiveness, life, and salvation. Now, you can sing God’s praises with joy as you journey from Baptism to resurrection on the Last Day. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell everyone what He has done. Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name. He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia, alleluia. (LSB Divine Service, Setting One- Thank the Lord)

-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.