In What Spiritual State Do You Live?
After crossing the Red Sea and seeing their enemies defeated, Israel complained about not having water. It had been three days since the miracle, but the people once again refused to focus on God and His loving kindness. They chose to grumble and complain instead of trusting the God Who had saved them. They looked only at their present circumstances and complained bitterly. Israel was consumed with comfort, and I think each of us can identify. They looked at God only through the eyes of their circumstances and did not acquaint themselves with His character and attributes. As we complete this week’s study, let’s pray for a fresh revelation of God’s ways so we will KNOW Who He is in the middle of our trials.
In our discussion of intimacy with the Lord, we’ve named some places people choose to dwell rather than drawing near to God in faith. We’ve seen that Egypt represents sin or the world; LobDebar, living beneath our rightful inheritance; and Kadesh Barnea, the place of unbelief.
Read Exodus 15:22-24
1. What happened at Marah? What spiritual state does that represent?
Read Psalm 103:7
2. What did God reveal to Moses that was different from what He revealed to Israel?
Read Psalm 103:8-18
3. Describe God’s ways. Do you know God in this way?
Read Exodus 6:2-8
4. Where does God promise to take the Israelites to live?
Read Exodus 3:7-8
5. How is the land of promise described?
Because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross, we can enter behind the Veil into the very presence of God Himself. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Pursue intimacy with the Creator and Maker of all things rather than dwelling in places of unbelief and bitterness. He longs to commune with His children. So draw near. It’s your choice…which state will you choose?
The people of Israel were traveling and could not find any water for them to drink – they finally found some water but they could not drink the waters because of being so bitter – they called it Marah – the people were still complaining against Moses and where he was leading them – GOD heard their murmurs and complaining – why can we not learn the lessons in our lives also – sometimes we murmur and complaining instead of always being so thankful. God made known his way to Moses. God’s way is always right – HE is always so gracious to each one of us who fear HIM – HE is always slow to anger and has lots of mercy on each one of us. HIS mercy is always great to them that fear HIM. If we keep HIS covenant and fear HIM – keep HIS covenants and commandments in our lives as we serve HIM – GOD will always be with each one of us. The LORD was giving them the land of Canaan – the LORD was going to bring them out of their bondage and they were going to know HE was their GOD. Their new land flowing with milk and honey – they should have been rejoicing all the time. I choose to be near GOD – I want to draw closer to HIM in my daily life – Again this is a wonderful lesson and many things to dwell on in our lives this week- Thanks again – Karen.