Exodus 15:22-17:7 – God’s Provision
There is a sanctifying work that has to be done in the lives of the people of Israel.
The next 3 accounts concern food and water. The people of Israel get hungry and thirsty and they complain. Over and over again we will read about the complaining and grumbling of God’s people. Note that complaining and grumbling are serious sins. All sins are of course serious but nothing says, “I hate God’s plans” like complaining and grumbling!
Nevertheless, in the midst of complaining and grumbling we see the gracious provision of God.
At the bitter waters of Marah God graciously makes the water sweet. He is the God who heals and restores his people.
God graciously provides both manna (bread sent from heaven) and quail to feed his people. God gives what is sufficient for his people. They had no need to gather on the Sabbath day because God provided enough. God gave what was needed.
God graciously brings life giving water from a rock, showing the people that he is with them.
God’s people needed to learn to rely on God, and trust in God. He will provide for and restore his people. God is with us.
When we come to the New Testament we find that Jesus was tempted, or tested, in the wilderness. Unlike Israel Jesus passed the test (note that Israel was in the wilderness 40 years, and Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days). Jesus did not fail. He has lived the life we cannot live.
Also we are told that Jesus is the bread and the living water (John 6:44-51; 1 Corinthians 10:1-5). In Christ we have everything we need. In Christ we are restored. In Christ we have God with us. Remind yourself of this truth. Why should we complain and grumble?
Questions
- In what ways can we complain and grumble about our circumstances?
- What should we do when we are tempted to grumble and complain?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God provides for us.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.