Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednsday January 23, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read, Exodus 17-19. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the continuing murmuring by the Israelites against Moses, water from the rock; Amalek's defeat; Jethro's advice; and God speaking at Mount Sinai.

As they continued their journey toward the promised land, the Israelites faced another test of their faith in God. Yet instead of putting their faith in Him they murmured against Moses and tested God's power. "And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses (put blame on him), and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD? And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?" (Exodus 17:1-7). The Lord knew that there was no water there so He purposefully directed the Israelites to that very place to test their faith and once again they failed to trust Him.

The wilderness journeys exposed the Israelites' refusal to trust the Lord like so many today who complain about their circumstances. Israel's release from bondage and the wilderness journey is symbolic of the Christian's pilgrimage through life. From their experiences, we should learn to trust God even when anticipated resources are not available. Just as the Israelites blamed Moses, we are tempted to blame others. Frustration on the job, emotional stress, discontent, and finding fault with uncomfortable situations is, in reality, expressions of distrust in the wisdom, competence, and goodness of God.

God, always knows what is best and promised Israel His blessings and a secure future if they would keep its part of the Covenant. God spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai about His promise and assured the people if they only put their trust in Him that they will be blessed and taken care of. "In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him. And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD." (19:1-8)

Just think! Our Creator said to the poor Hebrew slave, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me, meaning that they were special and valuable to Him. The insignificant former slaves were helpless, but, the Lord promised to bestow upon them His love, guidance, and provision, and make of them a holy nation. They would have the precious privilege of performing the highest service as a kingdom of priests and the distinction of being a peculiar treasure unto God. Today, He has extended His royal proclamation even to all who receive Christ as Savior and Lord regarding this unique relationship He once offered to Israel. We are God's precious, special treasures and will be blessed just as He promised the Israelites.

The Christian's faith is not based on favorable circumstances, but on our all-wise Creator. The key to peace in the midst of life's problems is confidence in His Word. Daily blessings are available only from His voice as recorded in the Bible. There are no substitutes for His only inspired Written Word. We may receive some help from preachers, teachers, books, and other sources; but none compare to the Holy Spirit who reveals His will in the inspired Holy Bible. We gain wisdom and strength growing out of a personal relationship with God as we daily read through His Word.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as both the Rock and the Water that came out of it. (Exodus 17:6). Jesus Chirst is our Rock and the Living Water for all who are thirsty. He alone can quench the thirst we truly long for.

Today's Psalm: (1:3)
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Today's Prayer: Psalm 23
Dear Lord,
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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