Did You Forget?

Exodus 32:4 (NIV) 

He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf...Then they said, 'These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.' 

Stick with me here, but can we quickly talk about football? I’ve been a Brighton and Hove Albion fan since I was young and used to travel up and down the country to watch games. I’ve seen it all, big wins, drab draws, and (more commonly) gut-wrenching losses. Most of all, I’ve observed the behaviour of the football fan up close and personal and, let’s just say, it’s not always pretty. 

One week, the crowd will be chanting the manager's name like he’s a deity of sport, the next, calling for his immediate sacking. 

Reading the book of Exodus recently, I came to a realisation: the Israelites are no different from us football fans - utterly fickle! 

Countless times throughout the book of Exodus, the Israelites seem to forget God’s provision: the way he led them out of slavery in Egypt, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the provision of food in the desert. The most infuriating example of this is in Exodus 32. In this passage, Moses heads up Mount Sinai to speak to God and, before you can say the phrase ‘manna from heaven’, the Israelites have already begun worshipping a golden calf instead. What?! 

Let’s be real, we can all be guilty of being like this. Forgetful...fickle...human! 

Today, let’s take the time to remember moments of God’s provision in our life. The provision of family, friends, healing, food, great football teams. 

Prayer — God, you are good! Thank you for remaining the same yesterday, today and forever. Thank you for your continued provision in my life.