Exploring Dependence – The Lesson of the Manna

As we began to explore the issue of our dependence on God in the last article, we set out the notion that, as Christians, we tend to be ok with the idea of this dependence in theory, but practically manifest an ongoing desire to live independently of God. Perhaps this is most evident in the area of provision and protection. The fact that we see money as the most immediate path to provision and protection suggests that it, not God, may be the true source of our confidence.

We looked at some of the highlights of this theme, as The Story unfolded through Genesis. Through these events, God is revealed as the One who Provides for and Protects those He has chosen.

This week, we want to pick up with the next major event in the Story – The Exodus.

Abraham had Isaac, who had Jacob, who had sons that became the 12 Tribes of Israel. Because of a famine, they went down into Egypt, where they spent 400 years growing into a nation. Now God is ready to bring them out of Egypt and back into the land that He first promised to Abraham. After He magnifies himself through the plagues, Pharaoh finally lets Israel go, only to change his mind and chase them down as they are trapped against the Red Sea (Exodus 14-15). Here Yahweh manifests Himself as their Protector, parting the Red Sea to allow them to escape, and then destroying the Egyptian army as they pursue Israel through the Sea. With this, their deliverance from the threat of the Egyptians is final, at least for this stage of their history.

Now, the focus of the story turns to Yahweh’s as Provider – His provision of the Land He has promised, and more fundamentally, His provision in their day-to-day existence, even as they are traveling to the Land.  Read more

Exploring Dependence – From The Beginning

So, we have set out to examine this issue of our dependance. In the previous article, we pointed out that our failure to acknowledge our dependency brought about the fall. We did not see ourselves as dependent and so, chose to act independently, as though we could be like God.

Now, realistically, I expect that if you are reading this article, at a very minimum you will already acknowledge God and and our dependence on Him.  So, why the need for this examination?

Well, I think there are two things we need to explore:

• The depth of our dependence -  It is quite possible to acknowledge the idea of our dependence, while at the same time, minimizing the degree or significance of that dependence.
• The areas and ways in which our independence continues to manifest itself – Even among believers who claim a firm commitment to Christ, I find attitudes and beliefs that I have come to suspect are at odds with the true nature of our dependency.

Why do I think this?

Well, in my years of seeking to walk with God, I have discovered a number of areas where the values and beliefs of popular Christian culture were at odds with Scripture. One of those areas is the area of money and possessions – how a Christian should view and handle finances. This is significant to our discussion because I have come to realize that it is in money and possessions that our pursuit of independence is most prominent. Read more

The Practical Pursuit of God’s Pleasure – Dependence

“What is the meaning of clothes?”

This was a discussion question in a workshop on the post-modern mindset I attended several years ago.

“Clothes are a covering,” was the first response.

Turns out, that was the typical answer. But it did not really answer the question the presenters were asking. “Covering” gives the function of clothes. It doesn’t explain their meaning. The question they were raising was, “What does the existence of clothing mean?”

To get to their point, they offered up another question – “What is the meaning of food?”

Now that we had wised up a little, the answers came slower. I honestly don’t remember any specific answers given, but I do recall that everyone knew better than to say “nourishment.” Read more