From Bitterness To Blessing Exodus 15:22-27
Introduction A. A company of singing former slaves 1. Set free from slavery 2. Enemies perished in the Red Sea
Introduction Do we sing God s praises? Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Introduction B. Onward to Canaan 1. Moses leads his people into the wilderness 2. Our Lord knows the way through the wilderness
I. The Bitter Waters of Marah Exodus 15:22-23 22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. 23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
I. The Bitter Waters of Marah A. Three days into the wilderness and out of water B. There was water at Marah but it was bitter C. We may have bitter experiences in this wilderness 1. Israel disappointed; expected all to go well 2. We all have trials on the journey John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I. The Bitter Waters of Marah
II. The Bitter Words Against Moses Exodus 15:24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
II. The Bitter Words Against Moses A. The people murmured against Moses B. Bitter experiences should not make us bitter 1. When we become bitter we cannot be blessed 2. Bitter people cannot bless others
II. The Bitter Words Against Moses
II. The Bitter Words Against Moses C. God s word to bitter people Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 1. Husbands should not be bitter Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
II. The Bitter Words Against Moses C. God s word to bitter people continued 2. Bitterness is against the truth James 3:14-16 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
II. The Bitter Words Against Moses C. God s word to bitter people continued 3. Bitterness spoils our witness Hebrews 12:12-15 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
III. Moses And His Plea Exodus 15:25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
III. Moses And His Plea A. Moses cried to the Lord B. Pray when others criticize you Psalm 109:1-4 1 Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise; 2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. 3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause. 4 For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.
III. Moses And His Plea C. Moses didn t know what to do, so he prayed D. God promises wisdom to those who ask James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
IV. God And His Tree Exodus 15:25-27 25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, 26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.
IV. God And His Tree Exodus 15:25-27 27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
IV. God And His Tree A. The Lord showed him a tree B. Moses did what God told him to do with the tree
IV. God And His Tree C. The tree made the waters sweet 1. The tree had been there all the time 2. The tree speaks of the tree of Calvary 3. Remember the cross when facing bitter experiences D. God just gave them a spiritual lesson (v 26) E. God led them to Elim, where there was abundant water (v 27)
IV. God And His Tree John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.