Bible Pathways - Jan. 22, 2009

Exodus 14

Highlights In Today's Reading:

Miracle after miracle fills this book. See the salvation of Israel — a reminder of the power of God that blesses us. You will enjoy reading this event.

The Israelites had journeyed only a short distance toward the promised land when they saw Pharaoh's army rushing toward them in a desperate effort to recover his slaves. Pharaoh, with six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt . . . pursued after the children of Israel . . . and overtook them. . . . The children of Israel . . . were sore afraid: and cried out to the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? . . . We did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians (14:7-12). When the Israelites cried out unto the Lord it was not in faith, but in fear and bitter criticism of Moses.

The Israelites should have believed God and trusted in His almighty power and loving care, for they had seen His miracles in Egypt that had set them free. However, when they faced what seemed to them impossible circumstances, they chose to let fear overwhelm their hearts. By contrast, Moses did not know how the Lord would save them, he confidently said: Fear . . . not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. . . . And the Lord overthrew the Egyptians . . . the waters returned, and covered the chariots . . . and all the host of Pharaoh (14:13-14,27-28).

Just three days later they arrived at Marah to discover they could not drink the bitter water. And the people (again) murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? (15:24). The Lord tested their faith by saying: If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to (listen to and) obey His Commandments . . . I will put none of these diseases upon thee . . . for I am the Lord that healeth thee (15:26). God then led them to Elim, where (there) were twelve wells of water (15:27).

While things were going well, there was no apparent difference between the faith of Moses and that of the people. But, the same trial that revealed the Israelites' unbelief also revealed Moses' faith in the Word of God. The same is true today. We have been freed from Satan and the power of sin as illustrated by Pharaoh, a type of Satan, and Egypt, symbolic of the world. For the Lord God is a Sun (to enlighten) and Shield (to protect us): The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11).

Thought for Today:

Though the world may never admit it, they want to see that a Christian is truly different. A "worldly Christian" has little, if any, influence.

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 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; seethe =boil.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy • Staff: Dan Murton • Government Officials: Rep. Melissa Bean (IL), Rep. Steve Chabot (OH), and Rep. Jim Saxton (NJ) • Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Seek God in prayer with your whole heart and He will hear you (Jer. 29:12-13).

Optional Reading: Matthew 22

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 4:17