Bible Pathway - Jan. 22, 2010
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Miracle after miracle fills the chapters of this book. A reminder of the power of God. You will enjoy reading these events. Crossing the Red Sea; song of Moses; the waters of Marah; murmurings, manna, and quail.
Verse for Today:
And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord (Ex. 14:10).The Israelites had traveled only a short distance in their walk toward the promised land when they saw Pharaoh's mighty army with their chariots rushing toward them. They immediately cried out, not in faith but in fear, unbelief, and anger. They also grumbled against Moses for leading them out of Egypt: Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness (14:10-12).
The Israelites should have believed God and trusted in His care. However, as they faced what seemed to be an impossible situation, they failed their first test of faith by looking at their circumstances rather than looking to God.
In contrast, Moses' faith was in God. Although he did not know how the Lord would deliver them, he confidently said: Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord . . . for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace (14:13-14).
While things were going well, there was no apparent difference between the faith of Moses and that of the people. Thus, the same trial that revealed the Israelites' unbelief also revealed Moses' faith in God.
The same is true with Christians. We have been freed from the power of sin to live a life of faith in God. Every trial and every disappointment gives us an opportunity to trust the Lord and praise Him for His goodness. As we remain faithful, our problems become blessings, often freeing us from self-will and self-sufficiency. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God (II Cor. 3:5). Let us exercise faith and experience His sufficiency.
Thought for Today:
Without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
Christ Revealed:
Through the bread (manna) from heaven (Ex. 16: 4, 15). Jesus said: I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven (John 6:51; 6:32-50).
Word Studies:
14:8 with an high hand =triumphantly and without fear; 14:13 salvation =deliverance; 14:17 get me honour upon =triumph over; 15:25 proved them =tested their faith; 16:3 flesh pots =bowls; 16:15 wist not =did not know; 16:18 mete =measure; 16:20 hearkened not =would not listen; 16:23 holy sabbath =day of rest and worship to the Lord; seethe =oil.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Katherine O'Brien • Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Rep. Melissa Bean (IL) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for godly men of old who were faithful to record His Word of Truth (Hab. 2:1-2).
Optional Reading: Matthew 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:5
