The Second Crises of Israel: Bitter hearts from Bitter Water

Exodus 15:22-27

L/W-We discussed the Song of Moses—how Moses and Israel sang the praises of God for delivering them from Pharaoh and his army, through the miracle of the Red Sea. This was, for believers today, a reminder of how we should praise, honor, and glorify God for the work He’s accomplished in their lives.

T/W-We will see Israel’s 2nd crisis they would encounter on their journey…bitter water. Thirsty after 3 days into their wilderness wanderings and in the middle of the Desert of Shur, Israel needed nourishment/refreshment. When they came to the waters of Marah, they were confronted with the temptation we all face when trials arise…the temptation to complain/moan/grumble

(EXODUS 15:22-27 READ)

Paul in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians, taught the people of Corinth two truths about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which is also a lesson for you and I today: First and foremost, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit brings liberty to person’s life. The second benefit speaks to the specific role of the Holy Spirit—being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ:

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

For the Israelites, God’s presence was given to be amongst them in the aforementioned “pillar of cloud and fire,” which served to lead them, protect them, and provide for them, as well as the means God would communicate with Moses and Israel. The Israelites were blessed with God’s presence from the onset of their liberty from Pharaoh and Egypt; a Presence Who would remain with them through their entire journey to the land of Canaan (see Exodus 13:17-22), while growing/strengthening/correcting/preparing Israel for their deliverance into Canaan

For believers today, God’s presence, Who we know as the Holy Spirit, comes to abide in the believer’s heart at the moment of surrender. He is the believers means of guidance, protection, provision, and communiction, as He also, at salvation, begins the transformational work of taking the believer’s life and shaping it into the image of Christ.

This process is called progressive sanctification. It’s a process that encompasses the lifetime of the believer’s journey—just as would the Israelites from their Exodus from Egypt and subsequent journey to Canaan.

However, whether in the context/time/culture of the O/T Israelites or in the life of today’s believer—this transformation and conforming is not easy. Why? Because despite being liberated from the wages of sin, saved, and redeemed, we are at war—internally. Throughout the journey, a war constantly wages within us. Note what David Jeremiah states:

“Every day a war rages within—the Spirit versus the flesh, the old man verses the new. The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to reproduce the life of Christ within His followers (transformed into His image). It is not our work, but His.”

We see an example of this “war” in our text today, as the Israelites encounter their 2nd crises upon their deliverance from Egypt. In encountering bitter water at Marah we see in Israel a tendency in each of us—the tendency to complain/grumble/murmer against God;

Complaining/grumbling/murmering—each of these are terrible sins; b/c not only do these hurt and bring pain to others, complaining reveals in us an untrusting and ungrateful heart, one that questions God’s goodness; a selfish heart that in complaining, dares to think it knows better than God or knows a better way than God—a heart that minimizes the grace of God.

My prayer is to remember that as we encounter the sufferings & trials we are assured for those who seek and serve the Lord, we will approach these as the testing/qualifying/and quantifying of our faith. We must see our own tendency to complain in the Israelites, learn from them, and learn to, as God says in v. 26, “...diligently heed the voice of the Lord (our) God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes...”

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I. (v.22-23) The Crisis: A Trial of Thirst

Exodus 15:22-23 “So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.”

(CONTEXT)

This serves as the “beginning” of Israel’s march to Mt. Sinai—from the Red Sea and took them to the desert of Shur

Shur means “wall,” and referes to a “fortress wall”

Shur is a significant part of O/T lands, as the patriarchs traveled and lived here

Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16:7)

The descendants of Ishmael (Genesis 25:18)

Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 15:22)

King Saul—who fought the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:7)

David and his men who fought the Geshurites/Gezrites/and the Amalekites (roots were in Shur) (1 Samuel 27:8)

Shur—in context here—created the trial/problem Israel was facing—no water

2 to 3 million people—involved in a 3-day trek across a desert

2 to 3 million people—who’s water supply was sure to running low, if not empty

2 to 3 million people—with no water—is a matter of life & death

Moses led them to “Marah”—a place where there supposed to be water, however

The water had become polluted & bitter, unfit to drink

The water had become so polluted, people were afraid to drink it

(Marah would come to mean “bitter” or “brackish”)

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—You and Me)

(FIRST)—Note three parallels:

Israel’s deliverance by God from their bondage in Egypt is a picture of the believer’s redemption & deliverance by God from the enslavement and wages of sin

Israel’s deliverance began what we know as their, “wilderness wanderings,” a journey which would take them to the Promised Land of Canaan. This also represents the believers’ journey of the Christian life; beginning at their deliverance & redemption and continuing throughout the life of the believer’s promised land of heaven.

Israel’s wilderness was an uncharted, barren, dry, rigid, and dangerous desert filled with enemies who practiced idolatry/immorality/and other forms of evil

The believer’s “wilderness” is today’s world. And while it may not be a “desert” as Israel’s, the wilderness of our world

Cannot be navigated on our own

Cannot quench the spiritual neeed/thirst of our soul

Possesses a harshness of it’s own, a rigid/unforgiving/dangerous ennvironment of enticements and allurements

Contains a wicked spirit of idolatry/immorality/evil, all orchestrated and controlled by Satan himself.

Israel’s trial of thirst and testing at Marah is representative of both the trials believers face on their journey and the temptation to partake of the bitter “waters of the world.”

As Israel grew thirsty from their journey and needed refreshing—so to do believers today as they walk through this Christian life

As Israel was tempted to drink of the bitter waters at Marah—so to, are believers tempted today to quench their thirst with the “bitter waters” of worldly living

(SECOND)—We must must learn from this (We must remember the goal of our journey)

Bitter trials are the normal experiences of human life:

Trials confront us all,

Trials are unaviodable

Trials will perplex & puzzle us

Bitter trails will consist of:

Temptations ranging from the slightest to the severe, to quench our thirst & have our needs met by passing pleasures of sin

Selfish desires/wants which arise from our own hearts/minds

Sickness/accidents/death

Persecutions and shame from others

Frustrations/disappointments

Sadness & sorrow

Lack of or minimal provision (food/water/clothing)

Financial losses/Job losses/Failed plans

Marriage failures/divorces/wayward children

And more...

Bitter trials can bring out questions:

Why is God allowing this to happen to me?

Why? I thought God loved me?

Why is God allowing me to suffer like this?

Bitter trials can, at times,

Leave us feeling

As if God doesn’t care or lacks compassion towards us

As if God is against us

Spiritually, mentally, physically worn out, depleted, having nothing left

Hopeless & helpless

Leave us feeling as Naomi did in Ruth 1

Naomi, having spend a decade in the wilderness, returned to Bethlehem feeling as though God was against her

Ruth 1:20-21 “But she said to them, “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?”” They raise moments of decision:

Bitter trials, b/c of how what they cause us to question and how they might cause us to feel, are the bait the enemy will use, to draw us to the bitter waters of the world to quench the need of satisfaction/contentment

Drugs & alcohol

Immoral sex & pornography

Immoral relationships & worldly influences

Greed of wealth

Pleasure

Fame/power/recognition/position

Outward appearances/beauty/immodest dress/flaunting of one’s appearance

Materialism

(THIRD)-What we must know-if we lack the Biblical understanding of trials/temptations, we will often times find ourselves resolving to deal with the trial with the bitter waters of the world:

These ways of the world are and will leave a bitter taste, and promise only to

Provide passing pleasures of sin--NEVER satisfy and bring contentment.

Quench sinful appetites— NEVER quench spiritual appetites

Leave us wanting more and more—never being fully/completely/wholly satisfied

(FOURTH) We must know the purpose of trials/testings from the Biblical lens, so we will know how we must react

Enduring trials/tribulations serve as the means to qualify/quantify one’s faith (James 1)

Enduring trials/tribulations serve as the means to refine one’s character of faith (Daniel 3)

Enduring trials/tribulations develops in us the character of Christ (2 Cor 3:17-18)

Enduring trials/tribulations conforms us more and more into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29)

How will I (we) react?

Am I (are you) going to trust in God’s strength, wisdom, and provision---or grumble/complain/whine/blame?

Am I (are you) going to honor God through the trial or dishonor Him in choosing another path in the trial, one that is worldly?

Again, we must look at the account of the Exodus and sojurn of the Israelites, see the parallels—and LEARN FROM THEM, because failing to learn from them is even more tragic

II. (v.24) Terrible Sin of Israel: Complaining/Grumbling/Murmering (a sin the Israelites would constantly commit when facing a crisis)

Exodus 15:24 “And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?””

Keep in mind (as we move forward)

For the previous 430 years, as a nation, God grew and multiplied them (from 72 to more than 2 million)

God heard the cries of His people and sent them a messenger and deliverer in Moses (Exodus 3-4)

Throughout the last year or so, they had witnessed God’s awesome power through the 10 plagues

Protected in Goshen from these plagues/judgments against Pharaoh

Delivered from Pharaoh’s tyranny and oppression by means of the Passover lamb

Just 3 days earlier—Israel was delivered through the Red Sea when there was not way out

Just 3 days earlier---Israel was singing worship to the Lord for His hand of deliverance and justice

(CONTEXT)—Despite this, Israel, in being confronted with bitter waters @ Marah—was complaining/grumbling against Moses

Things they “should have”

They should have remembered:

God’s great power and love towards them

God’s great care and provision towards them

They should have trusted:

That if God could free them through the Passover—He could provide them with water

That if God could part the Red Sea and allow them to cross over on dry land---He could provide them with water

The should have prayed:

For God to intercede for them

For God to show their leader, Moses, where to find water

What they did instead

Complained/grumbled/murmured against Moses

What this revealed about Israel’s heart:

They immature believers,

They were unstable,

They were carnal (fleshly) minded, and

They needed to grow up

What was the result

Israel’s carnal hearts of unbelief took over and complaining/grumbling/blaming followed suit—

Sadly, this would not be the first time—in fact it would be Israel’s M.O.

They would complain and grumble b/c of a lack of food (Ex 16:2)

They would complain and grumble, again, b/c of a lack of water (Ex 17:3)

They would complain and grumble b/c of the trials facing them in their wilderness wanderings (Numbers 14:2-4)

They would complain and grumble b/c they grew weary of Moses’ and Aarons’ leadership (Numbers 16:11)

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—You and Me): We shouldn’t be so quick to pass judgment on Israel

FIRST-As believers, we too must remember

How long we were under sin’s hold and what those sins were which had us under it’s hold (this is not a dwelling on, rather a remembrance of)

How much God’s love, grace, and mercy pursued us—through His Word and Holy Spirit, through other believers pouring into our lives, in the circumstances that drew us to the end of ourselves and ultimately realized in the cross of Christ

How much God’s love, grace, and mercy still pursue us today—in sanctification; again accomplished, through His Word and Holy Spirit, through discipleship and fellowship, through worship and service; even in sharing our testimony and the truth with others!

Think!! God still desires you—He desires a closer walk with you—He desire a more intimate walk with you—He desires for you to display the image you were created to bear---so in sanctification you find the proof and promise that He’s still pursuing you!!!!

How God still fights for you, overcomes trials/temptations/tribulations for you

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

James 1:5-7 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;”

What we should remember then, is just what Israel should have remembered

God’s incredible love & grace towards you

Romans 5:7-8 “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God’s incredible power & love towards you

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

God’s incredible protection & provision in your life

Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

God’s incredible purpose He has for you

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

We should trust, as Israel SHOULD have trusted

In God’s goodness/kindness

In God’s faithfullness to not only save you, but to sustain you in ALL things!!

Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

In God’s promises He’s made to you

To complete what He’s started

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

To never forsake you

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””

To be your advocate

1 John 2:1-2 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

To be your intercessor

Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

To deliver you to the promised land

Deuteronomy 31:6-8 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.””

John 14:1-4 ““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.””

What we tend to do instead, is at times not so different than the Israelites---complain/moan/grumble/whine

We complain

Because we don’t like giving up control

Because we don’t like change and it would be simpler if things just, “stayed as they were”

Because we don’t like giving up our comfort

Because somehow we think we’ve earned the right to

Because don’t like the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our sin or God’s prompting

Because we’d rather deal with sin/trials/temptations our own way

What this reveals?

Hearts of unbelief and distrust

Hearts that fail to trust God’s power and goodness

Hearts that fail to relinquish control

Hearts that fail believe He will work things out for the good of the believer (Romans 8:28)

Hearts which would prefer self-reliance and performance rather than seek out God’s help through prayer

What we must realize, is that the focal point of our grumbling and complaining—is no different than the focal point of who Adam was blaming for his sin.

Complaining & grumbling are not against “a person, a situation, a circumstance,” rather they are against the Lord Himself

Exodus 16:8 “Also Moses said, “This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.””

Complaining & grumbling often arise from our lack of reading, trusting, and obedience to God’s Word

Psalm 106:24-25 “Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word, But complained in their tents, And did not heed the voice of the Lord.”

Complaining & grumbling, more often that we care to confess, are the result of our own foolishness and sin

Proverbs 19:3 “The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:39 “Why should a living man complain, A man for the punishment of his sins?”

Complaining & grumbling take advantage of God’s provision—and make a mockery of the sufficiency of His grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Complaining & grumbling should have no place in the hearts/minds of believers

Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without complaining and disputing,”

Complaining & grumbling bring God’s strong chastisement and judgment

Jude 14-16 “Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”

Why? Why do we struggle so much in complaining/grumbling

We are people who innately thirst for contentment and peace of mind, yet more times we care to confess, we try to find this contentment and peace—to quench our thirst for these things in all kinds of different ways and places claiming they can satisfy us:

Pleasure

Fame/fortune

Illicit/immoral sex (sexual misconduct, adultery, pornography)

Shallow and superficial religous activity

Materialism

Self-gratification

Idolatry

We must be people—we must be believers who recognize:

These bitter waters NEVER satisfy

These bitter waters will ALWAYS leave a bitter taste and a tainted heart

These bitter waters, if we continue to drink from them, will lose some of it’s bitter taste…and this is dangerous

The answer to these bitter waters:

John 4:13-14 “Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.””

The Samaritan woman Jesus ministers to had tried to “quench” her thirst in one marriage after another, until she realized the well she was returning to over and over wasn’t working.

It wasn’t until she was confronted by Jesus Christ and what He offered her, that she found her satisfaction and fullfillment

III. (v.25) The Prayer of God’s Servant & the Provision of the Lord for the People

Exodus 15:25 “So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them,”

(CONTEXT)—Moses presents us the example of what we should do in moments of trials/tribulations: seek the Lord and cry out to Him

How did the Lord respond?

God delivered and met the need of the Israelites from their thirst—b/c of the faithful and intercessory prayer of a faithful servant

God took the bitter experience @ Marah and made it sweet

What can we see here?

(J. Vernon McGee): “What was it that made the bitter water of Marah sweet? We are told that a tree cast into the water made it sweet (see Deuteronomy 21:23 and Galatians 3:13).

Jesus Christ on a tree, and it is that cross that makes the experiences of life sweet. He tasted death for every man, and took the sting out of death. “O death where is thy sting? O grace, where is thy victory?” says 1 Cor 15:55. It is the cross of Christ that makes sweet the Marah experiences of life.”

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU & ME)

Our response to the bitter trials & temptations in life

Must be people characterized by rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude

Rejoicing celebrates and praises God for

Who He is

What He’s accomplished

What His promises are

What He’s promised to accomplish for you & deliver you to

Prayer is the demonstrative part of our faith, which displays our

Trust in God’s sovereignty over the trials/tribulations we face

Trust in God’s purpose for the trials/tribulatiosn we face

Trust in God’s direction/strength/wisdom in order to rightly face our trial/tribulations

Gratitude is the responsive part of our faith, which

Must exist—or we risk hearts that merely take advantage of God’s grace

Must exist—or we risk hearts that boast in themselves for overcoming and enduring trials/tribulations

1 Thes 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

God’s response to hearts that engage Him in this way?

He draws near and comforts those in times of trial & temptation

He draws near and provides the way out to those in times of trial & temptation

He draws near and takes the bitter, brackish, and distasteful experiences of life and turns them sweet—redeeming us and refining us

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

IV. (v.25) The Purpose of God: To Test the People

Exodus 15:25 “So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them,”

(CONTEXT) This point speaks to what the Israelites were unable to find water in the desert

God was behind the entire experience

God has purposed that the Israelites would be unable to find water (it wasn’t that the bitter waters of Marah were a surprise to God)

Why? “... and there He tested them,”

What does this mean, that God tested Israel? That He tests people?

He tests people in order to humble them and reveal what is in our hearts

He tests people in order that they might be strengthened and keep them from sinning

Exodus 20:20 “And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.””

He tests people in order to see if they will obey Him

Exodus 16:4 “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.”

He tests people to refine them and stir them to live righteous lives

He tests people in order to judge and reward them

1 Cor 3:13 “each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.”

He tests people so they will learn more and more patience/endurance

James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

V. (v.25-26) The Result of the Crisis Great Law and Great Promise

Exodus 15:25-26 “So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.””

(CONTEXT) Here the Lord is making a covenant—a great promise to His people

What we are calling a covenant here was a statute—a decree—a law being laid down by God

Whatever decree or law is being set—it is permanent; therefore is fthe law is obeyed—the promise is certain and sure to be fulfilled

There was the covenant: God desired the obedience of His people to

Diligently listen to Him

Do what is right

Hear and keep His commandments

There was the promise: In the people’s obedience, God

Would not have to chastise them with the diseases brought upon Egypt

Would always be able to provide for them; meaning He would bring healing to them

“Yahweh Rophe”—means the Lord who heals;

“Yahweh Rophe”—is God declaring that He is the Healer, the Healer of bodies and spirits;

He takes care of His people

He looks after His people on their journey

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—You and me)

The covenant for Israel is reminder to believers of the “spiritual sweat” of spiritual discipline:

“If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord...”

“Diligence”—

“the strenouse giving of oneself/the full committment to an activity without concern for the cost”

“Heed”—to hear intelligently with undivided attention

Implies hearing to pay attention and obedience upon hearing

Voice of the Lord (His Word)—

What’s the voice you are listening to?

“…do what is right in His sight...”

“in His sight...”

Galatians 1:10 “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

Are you more concerned about what’s right in your eyes, or what’s right in God’s eyes

“…give ear to His commandments...

This is to “pay special attention to” how God calls us to live

“…and keep all His statutes...”

keep—continual disciplined action/activity (obedience)

There is the promise to us as well

John 14:15 ““If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

There is also the exhortation:

God will/does chastise His people: Why?

He loves us

He knows its for our good as believers

He knows its proof we belong to Him

He knows it develops the chacter of Christ in us

God’s chastising of believers has purpose: It is to correct & keep us from

Going deeper & deeper into sin

Being enslaved more and more by sin

Damaging our bodies

Bringing guilt & pain into our lives

Destroying ourselves

Deuteronomy 8:5 “You should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you.”

Psalms 94:12 “Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, And teach out of Your law,”

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

VI. (v.27) God’s Abundant Provision: The Leading to Elim

Exodus 15:27 “Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.”

(CONTEXT) What is vividly seen here is the goodness of God—the faithfulness of the Lord

God abundantly provided for His people

God led His people to where they would be nourished and refreshed

“Elim”—

A fruitful, well-watered valley known today as Wadi Gharandel (east central Egpyt SW of Israel)

O/T’s location was b/t the Desert of Shur and the Desert of Sin

Has a rainy season which sends torrents of water flowing down the valley

Lush and green—12 different springs of water would have flowed out & formed pools & creeks

God led His people where their needs were abundantely met (overflowing upon them)

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

First—we must know God finds joy in meeting the needs of His children (it’s not a reluctance with Him like it can be for man)

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (This section of verses in James speaks contextually to trials/tribulations-so it has direct application today)

Psalm 34:10 “The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Matthew 7:11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”

Second we must know that God’s gifts are not so much earthly blessings (though they can be) as they are spiritual blessings

God fills us with joy and satisfaction—where we are filled with water from the well of salvation (source of salvation)

Isaiah 12:3 “Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation.”

Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

John 15:11 ““These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

John 16:24 “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Romans 14:17 “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

God will ALWAYS lead us to lie down in green pastures & still waters—even in facing terrible/trying and bitter trials/temptations—His provision is ALWAYS sufficient

One second of God’s rest is better than a lifetime of our striving/worrying/doing

(CLOSING)

Between today and the remainder of our time in Exodus—we will see Israel encounter more trials & difficulties, see how they struggled to trust God and His apointed leaders (Moses and Aaron), see how they fell into more sin of complaining/grumbling, even to the point of desiring to go back to Egypt (which we’ve already seen once).

What each of us must do, is not resigning these accounts only to the Israelites of the O/T, rather we must see ourselves and our own tendencies in the Israelites.

First we must realize we are not void of our own bitter trials & temptations. In our walk as a believer—in this progressive sanctification—we all at different times, seasons, and circumstances will face/encounter moments where God will test us—test the quality of our faith.

Secondly, in these moments, each of us, no matter what we say, who or what we try and blame, how or why we try and justify ourselves, will find ourselves in the battle to trust the “waters of the world,” or trust in the sustaing grace and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hearts which constantly rejoice, pray, and show gratitude—more often than not find success in overcomeing trials and tribulations, b/c their hearts center themselves on God’s goodness & promises

Hearts which constantly complain, groan, and mumble—more often that not find failure, b/c they often turn to the bitter waters of the world to quench their thirst and need

So, our prayer should be today that God would give us hearts that rejoice always, are desperately devoted to prayer, and overflow with gratitude—despite what we will encounter in our journey of sanctification.