Exodus 16

Before we get into our passage for today, I want us to see something that is not spelled out in the story. When the people left Egypt, they were a “mixed multitude”, Hebrews, Egyptians, slaves of other nations. All the believers in YHWH left together. That is never brought up again. The whole multitude that passed through the sea are now referred to as Israel. So it is with the followers of Yeshua of Nazareth that pass through the waters of baptism. We become one. (Ephesians 4:5[notes1] ) Our chief identity is no longer this nationality, or that race, or that class of people, but children of faith, children of Abraham, sons and daughters of God. (John 1:12[notes2] ) The Gospel invites everyone into a new family, the family of God. (Revelation 21:6[notes3] )

The Israelites already had their first two big tests. The first was at the waters of the Red Sea when all seemed lost, but God delivered them in an unforgettable miracle. Then after only three days, they found themselves dying of thirst at a watering hole that was undrinkable. God once again showed that He is the answer for every situation in life. We left the Israelites in a place of reprieve, the oasis of Elim, with its 72 palms and 12 springs of water.

God won’t leave us in that place of ease for long, because we need to grow. (James 1:2-3[notes4] ; 1Thessalonians 3:3[notes5] ) God is working on our sanctification. (Hebrews 10:14[notes6] ) He has redeemed us and we are bound for heaven, but there is still a lot of work to be done in our minds and hearts. Most of that work is done in the wilderness, not at the oasis. So the cloud moved them on to the wilderness of Sin. (Next test tomorrow)

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

[notes2] John 1:12 (ESV)

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

[notes3] Revelation 21:6 (NIV)

6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.

[notes4] James 1:2-3 (ESV)

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

[notes5] 1 Thessalonians 3:3 (ESV)

3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

[notes6] Hebrews 10:14 (ESV)

14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Share on Facebook