The Frogs Desiring a King by Aesop

The Frogs were living as happy as could be in a marshy swamp that just suited them; they went splashing about caring for nobody and nobody troubling with them. But some of them thought that this was not right, that they should have a king and a proper constitution, so they determined to send up a petition to Jove to give them what they wanted. “Mighty Jove,” they cried, “send unto us a king that will rule over us and keep us in order.” Jove laughed at their croaking, and threw down into the swamp a huge Log, which came down with a splash into the swamp. The Frogs were frightened out of their lives by the commotion made in their midst, and all rushed to the bank to look at the horrible monster; but after a time, seeing that it did not move, one or two of the boldest of them ventured out towards the Log, and even dared to touch it; still it did not move. Then the greatest hero of the Frogs jumped upon the Log and commenced dancing up and down upon it, thereupon all the Frogs came and did the same; and for some time the Frogs went about their business every day without taking the slightest notice of their new King Log lying in their midst. But this did not suit them, so they sent another petition to Jove, and said to him, “We want a real king; one that will really rule over us.” Now this made Jove angry, so he sent among them a big Stork that soon set to work gobbling them all up. Then the Frogs repented when too late. Better no rule than cruel rule.

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Exodus 30 – To whom the Lord speaks

I know people who really get excited about these chapters in Exodus where God is instructing Moses. They like to picture what God is instructing Moses to make. They like to build models and contemplate the spiritual significance of the metals used and the different spices which create various fragrances. I am not one of those people. So my commentary on this chapter is a little shorter than normal.

In my quick count there are four times instances in this chapter of something along the lines of “the Lord spoke to Moses, saying…” As I read that phrase over and over I was struck by how dependent the people were on Moses and the priests to live in community with God.

We are not dependent on our pastors to live in community with God. We have been enabled to have a direct relationship with God through Jesus. This passage reminded me of how great a blessing that is.

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