Bible Pathway - Jan. 22, 2011
Read Exodus 14
Highlights:
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.
The will of God was revealed to the Israelites in Egypt, and the people believed and they bowed their heads and worshipped (Ex. 4:31). God was in the process of fulfilling His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He would deliver them from slavery and lead them to the promised land. After four hundred years (Acts 7:6), a victory for Israel had been accomplished that freed them from Egyptian oppression! The song of Moses was sung to celebrate deliverance from Egypt.
So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water (Ex. 15:22).
What joy and excitement filled the camp at the news that refreshing water was discovered! But, when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah (15:23). Their thankfulness turned to disappointment and then anger as they tasted the bitter water. This unexpected trouble was an opportunity for Israel to trust in the Word of God alone, but they waited not for His counsel (Ps. 106:13). They decided it had been better . . . to serve the Egyptians (Ex. 14:12).
God had clearly revealed His will to lead them to the promised land, yet ten times they expressed their unbelief (14:10-12; 15:22-24; 16:2-3,7-9,12,19-20,25-29; 17:3,8-16; 32:7-10). Their faith in the Word of God never went beyond the next obstacle. They believed not His Word (Ps. 106:24).
The Lord still leads His faithful children through circumstances of apparent defeat but it is here they learn the futility of human reasoning and how to wait upon Him for direction. Our disappointments are His appointments to develop our faith.
As soon as the child of God is persuaded of the will of God, opposition will arise, often wholly unexpected. Satan, the enemy of man's soul, will attempt to prevent the accomplishment of the will of God. In times of uncertainty, seek the Lord's guidance (Prov. 3:5-7) and wait upon the Lord. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth (Ps. 37:9). Don't depend upon your own changing emotions or the uncertain circumstances around you.
Without faith it is impossible to please Him . . . 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).
Thought for Today:
My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee (Is. 54:10).
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 boil.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Rep. Melissa Bean (IL) • Country: Senegal (10 million) in western Africa • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 92% Muslim; 4% animism and ancestor worship; 3% Roman Catholic; .1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask, seek, and knock through prayer, knowing God promises to answer (Matt. 7:7-8).
Optional Reading: Matthew 22
Memory Verse for the Week: Proverbs 28:9
