"Rebel Not Ye Against the Lord, Neither Fear"

Francisco Fierro Merchan (Ecuadorian, born 1994)

Untitled (2025)

Phototransfer on Kraft American Cheese

Collection of the artist

Used with permission of the artist

In this week's study, we continue with the Israelites' journey through the wilderness from Sinai to Canaan. The people repeatedly complain of hunger, thirst, and hardship, leading God to provide quail, water, and guidance, but also to discipline them for their lack of gratitude and rebellion. Moses feels the burden of leadership and God appoints elders to share responsibility. Israel’s rebellion results in a forty-year delay before entering the Promised Land.

What does this week's artwork have to do with all this wandering? Artist Francisco Fierro Merchan has explored new materials in a series about his family in Ecuador. He has printed a family portrait on slices of processed cheese. The artist writes, "My work is about my experience in the US and how I fit into the American culture. The people in the photos are my family, my sister, my dad, and my mom. I decided to use cheese as a commentary on American culture from an outsider's perspective. I was also thinking about family and how they can nurture us. ." Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are all wanderers, aren't we? Although the journey from Sinai to Canaan should not have taken 40 years it gave God the opportunity to develop his people. Doubt, fear, and disobedience can delay the blessings intended for us from God, but God’s devotion to his people remains unshakeable despite rebellion or complaints.

Gospel Questions

1. The Israelites lack of gratitude contributed to their difficulties in the wilderness. How do you find ways to daily practice gratitude?

2. One defining trait of Moses is his meekness. What leaders of today exmplify meekness and how does it make them successful as leaders?

3. Fear often held the Israelites back. What gospel practices help you overcome fear?

For Children and Youth

Hi. When you hear the word "meekness," you usually think of a sweet and calm thing, like a meek lamb. But we are asked to be meek, too.

1. Why would meekness be a good trait for a leader to have?