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Bible Pathways 01/23/2002


January 23

Read Exodus 17 -- 19

In Today's Reading:

God's redeemed -- a peculiar treasure (19:5) -- are now set apart to walk with Him. But thirst causes murmuring against Moses. Then God's mercy is again revealed as clean, sparkling water emerges from the Rock. Redeemed from bondage the nation sanctifies itself and you will find the scene changing from narration to legislation as Israel begins a fresh covenant relationship with God.

Verse for Today:

The people thirsted there for water . . . and said, Wherefore is this that you have brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? (Exodus 17:3).

Highlights:

Murmuring against Moses; water from the rock; Amalek defeated; Jethro's advice; God gives the Law and the Covenant on Mount Sinai.

From the time the Israelites left Egypt to the time they reached the border of the Promised Land, they were so concerned with satisfying their immediate physical needs that they continually found fault with Moses when faced with problems. And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the Most High in the wilderness (Psalms 78:17). Consequently, that generation never experienced the satisfaction of conquering the Promised Land.

Those who doubt the wisdom of God give evidence of being self-confident, believing that they, not God, know what is best and that they are able to control the affairs of their own lives. In contrast, His peace is enjoyed by all whose desire is: "Whatever pleases You, Lord, pleases me."

At times, it may seem that God has not met our needs, but praising the Lord and trusting Him during times of testing always honors Him and is a key to receiving His blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

The Christian's faith cannot be based on favorable circumstances, but rather in a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

A Thought from Proverbs: The Lord hates . . . A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that are swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren (6:16-19).

Christ Revealed:

As the Rock and the Water that came forth (Exodus 17:6). For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).

Word Studies:

17:1 pitched = encamped; 17:2 chide = find fault; 17:5 smotest = struck; 17:7 Massah (and sometimes) Meribah = tempted the Lord to slay them because of their faultfinding; 17:12 stayed up = supported; 17:13 discomfited = defeated; 17:15 Jehovah-nissi = YHWH is my refuge; 18:7 did obeisance = bowed down as a show of reverence; 18:8 travail = hardship; 18:16 matter = difficulty; 19:5 peculiar = special; 19:17 nether = lesser or bottom; 19:21 charge = admonish.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Rep. Joe Baca (CA), Sen. Thomas Carper (DE), Rep. Bud Shuster (PA), and Rep. Charles Taylor (NC) · Pray for your Sunday School teacher · Country: Peru (27 million) on the western coast of South America · Major languages: Spanish and Quechua · Open to evangelism and Bible distribution · 89% Roman Catholic; 4% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Psalms 25:11).

Optional Reading: Matthew 23

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:5



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