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Act now to share the love of Christ in the Middle East
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Bible Pathways - Jan. 22, 2008

 

01222008

Exodus 14

Highlights In Today's Reading:

What a climax! Miracle after miracle fills this book. Now see the salvation of Israel through the power of God. You will enjoy reading how God used the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. Fantastic! Meditate on the words of Moses' song, see Miriam dance with a timbrel. Israel was preserved from hunger by manna and water from a rock — both of which are types of Christ, the Living Word (John 4:10-11; 7:37-39; I Corinthians 10:3-4).

The will of God was clearly revealed to the Israelites in Egypt, and the people believed and they bowed their heads and worshipped (Exodus 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. At last, after four hundred years (Acts 7:6), a great victory for Israel had been accomplished that freed them from Egyptian oppression! Then the song of Moses was sung to celebrate the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and to anticipate reaching the promised land.

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 (Exodus 15:22) to quench their thirst.

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 soon turned into disappointment and then anger as they tasted the bitter water. This unexpected trouble was an opportunity for Israel to trust in God's Word alone but they waited not for His counsel (Psalm 106:13). They decided it had been better . . . to serve the Egyptians (Exodus 14:12).

Although 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 God's Word never went beyond the next obstacle. They believed not His Word (Psalm 106:24).

The Lord still leads His faithful children through circumstances of apparent defeat through which they learn the futility of human reasoning and how to wait upon Him for further direction. Your disappointments are God's appointments for His blessing.

As soon as the child of God is persuaded of God's will opposition will arise, often wholly unexpected. Satan, the enemy of man's soul, will attempt to prevent the accomplishment of God's will. In times of uncertainty, seek the Lord's guidance (Proverbs 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 (Psalm 37:9), rather than depending upon your own changing emotions or the uncertain circumstances around you.

But 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 (Hebrews 11:6).

Thought for Today:

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33).

Christ Revealed:

Through the bread (manna) from heaven (Exodus 16:4,15). Jesus said: I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven (John 6:51; 6:32-48).

Word Studies:

14:8 high hand =triumphantly and without fear; 14:13 salvation =deliverance; 14:17 get me honour upon = will 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; seeth =toil.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mitch Leschuk • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Melissa Bean (IL), Rep. Steve Chabot (OH), and Rep. Jim Saxton (NJ)• Country: Bahrain (629,000) 11 islands in the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • No evangelical work is permitted • 85% Muslim; 5% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 1% Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: When you pray, be brief and pray from your heart (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

Optional Reading: Matthew 22

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 3:11



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