The staff strikes again

Today: Exodus 16-18

Are you ever amazed by people who use regular things in creative ways?

If you've ever seen a Food Network special on cake decorating, you know what I'm talking about. Chefs take sugar or chocolate and construct absolute masterpieces. They build edible sky-high castles with working moats and bridges. They construct colorful parrots and giraffes out of sugar. These designers challenge the status quo thinking of what seems possible...using things found in most homes across America.

In today's passage, God uses Moses and his simple shepherds' staff to perform some miracles once again. Moses struck a rock with the staff--and water miraculously appeared. At another point in the story, God helps the Israelites defeat an enemy in battle, as long as Moses' staff is raised. These are two different uses for the same staff--both different from how the staff was used before.

As I read today, I thought about the "What is in your hand?" post and passage earlier this week. God is creative enough to continually use the same tool in multiple ways. If you used something "in your hand" a few years ago, it doesn't mean you're done. God may want you to use that tool again...and perhaps in a completely different way. I think our role in the process is to look at the "tools" we have, remain openhearted, listen to God's direction and obey. He's the creative Master who can use the "ordinary" in extraordinary ways.

Tomorrow: Exodus 19-21