This is right after the Israelites saw the power of God through the parting of the Red Sea. And now, just a few days later, the people start complaining because there is no water, at first. Then when there is, it’s bitter. God cautions them to obey Him and He will take care of them.
In chapter 16, God provides for them and yet they still struggle with their faith. We need to recognize what God is doing with the Israelites and also with us.
- God’s laws are simple, 16:4-5. They are not difficult to understand, it’s that carrying them out is often difficult. On the 7th day you don’t go out of your house, on the other 6, you do. Pretty simple right? And yet, the people don’t listen. We wonder how this could be. But let’s take an honest assessment of ourselves – do we not sometimes do the same thing? An obstacle is put in our path, is our faith strong enough to realize it as that and overcome it? Or does it waver like the Israelites when we face a challenge?
- Gods law benefits us, 16:16. He is providing bread and water and He gives them the 7th day off. In Ephesians Paul tells children to obey their parents. Wouldn’t our homes be so much better if that was the case? God, in all His wisdom, has established local churches. Have you ever thought how life would be if you did not have the Decker Prairie church to support you in times of trouble? Who would you turn to? People are desperate for family like we have. People are social creatures. We need one another.
- God’s laws bring life, 15:26. God tells them if you will listen to me and obey, I will be your healer. The Sabbath was about rest and healing but the people don’t see that. The manna, the quail, the water, these are all things that bring life. Even though the people don’t obey, God continues to provide. Without Him, they would have nothing.
God is patient. Take advantage of his offer of eternal life, while there is still time.
Sermon by Brent Moody
