Advent Through Exodus: The Miracle of ChristmasSample
Fourth Sunday of Advent: “God Provides for His People” — Move to Multiply
Last week, we learned that God's generosity, manifested through miracles and blessings, is not meant for our sole benefit. Rather, we are commanded to share His blessings with others. We can trust that He will provide for our needs as He guides us through life.
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness, following their miraculous escape from Egypt, reveals God's unwavering provision and deliverance. However, it also underscores the people's tendency to doubt and complain, often forgetting the physical hardships they endured, the incredible distance they had traveled, and all the obstacles God had overcome on their behalf.
When God instructed the Israelites to gather only enough manna for each day, except a double portion in preparation for the Sabbath, it was not a sign of God's stinginess but a reminder of our need for daily communion and reliance on Him.
God's generosity continued as He provided water flowing from the Rock of Horeb. Unlike stagnant water that is not drinkable, God's blessings are fresh, clear, and plentiful—always flowing in abundance—a river of blessing that grows ever wider and deeper from its source.
The same reliance was required when God instructed the Hebrews to battle Amalek. As a former population of weak and suppressed slaves, the Israelites faced certain defeat against this hardened army. However, when the Israelites demonstrated faith and Moses obediently stretched out his hand, demonstrating submission and trust in God, they emerged victorious.
As we light the fourth candle of Advent, let us remember God's unwavering faithfulness in delivering and providing for His people. May we also be inspired to reach out to others with the message of Christ as we strive to grow the community of believers, reminding them of how richly God’s blessings flow. Let us praise Him for His goodness in our lives today and place our trust in His promises, especially as we eagerly await the Providence of our coming Savior.
About this Plan
Advent is a season of reflection, preparation, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The Book of Exodus, on the other hand, chronicles the Israelites' arduous journey out of slavery in Egypt and their quest for the Promised Land. While these two may seem unrelated at first glance, through this plan we discover how Exodus foreshadows Jesus' miraculous birth over a millennium later, and what we can learn from the Hebrews' period of trust in waiting, even today.
More