The Work Building the Second Temple

The Work Begins

Book of Ezra

Six months have passed since we began our study of the Book of John and now, we will spend some time in the Old Testament.

In 539 BC the Persians and the Medes under King Cyrus had defeated the Babylonians in a fierce battle for world domination just as the Prophet Daniel had predicted.

It was Isaiah that had predicted that Cyrus would do these things about 100 years before Cyrus had been born.

Isa 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

Isa 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isa 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Isa 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

It was Jeremiah who had said that Jews would only be in captivity for 70 years.

Dan_9:2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolation of Jerusalem.

Jer 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

Jer 25:12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

The Book of Ezra was written by Ezra and Ezra was a Jewish Priest.

There were three groups who returned from Babylon, but not one group included any from the Northern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom had been carried off by the Assyrians and never returned to the Promise Land during this period.

Cyrus had captured all the lands of the Babylonians which included the land of the Assyrians and any of those Jews who had remained could have the same freedom to return to Israel.

Let's begin:

*****Ezr 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

Ezr 1:2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

Cyrus was the son of Cambyses, king of Persia and Mandane the daughter of Astyages, king of Media.

King Cyrus claimed himself to be the liberator of all peoples.

He allowed any group that were captured by the Babylonians to return to their homeland not just the Jews, after all he now ruled all those homelands.

He had first allowed Zerubbabel to lead the first group of the Jews back to Jerusalem. So many things had happened that were against the Word of God that not much work was done in Jerusalem.

It was Ezra who led the second group charged with the rebuilding of the Temple which was financed by King Cyrus and any free will offerings.

Cyrus also returned to the Jews all the valuables stolen from the Temple of Solomon.

Later Nehemiah would lead a third group of Jews back to Jerusalem charged with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

By all these things we should have no doubt that it is God that puts in place the leaders of this world!

A lot of things are said about the Jews good and bad, but one thing stands out, they are dedicated builders of their nation when they get the opportunity!

They were cured of their idolatry, that had come between them and Jehovah.

If we ask what is wrong with our world today, it should be obvious that all our problems come because of sin.

We see that Cyrus was a king who believed that all his success came because of the Lord God of Heaven and Earth.

Cyrus was no Christian, but he knew where his power came from, he was not an atheist.

To the Jews, Cyrus was Kuresh, the King of Persia.

We should be able to see that God can touch the heart of any ruler at any time as He says in the Book of Isaiah.

Isa 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

God knows what is going to happen in this world before it happens!

God knows that the Jews want to see Israel survive even if many of them will never make it back home!

What did Cyrus ask the Jewish people?

*****Ezr 1:3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.

Ezr 1:4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.

Cyrus did not demand that all the Jews leave, and many did not, but he did allow anyone who chose to go home and be a part of the rebuilding of the Temple and there homes the freedom to do so.

We should understand that these things were all recorded in the history of Persia and are all true.

The Persia we are familiar with are now the nations of Iraq and Iran.

Any Jew that was alive from the time of captivity would remember the preaching Jeremiah and Isaiah and the other prophets that had come true and they knew it was their sin that had brought on all these things.

All these are lessons for the Church. We can see again that God will always do what He says, and it is God who places rulers into power.

Our Holy God still rules this world!

The date of this proclamation of Cyrus was 538 BC the very first year of his reign over Babylon.

Cyrus had a personal reason for these things he did.

He wanted all people to pray to their god for a long life "for him" even after he had stated that it was it was the Lord God of Heaven who had given him the victory.

Just as so many do today, he had thoughts of all people worshiping the same God which is not true. Jehovah God is a jealous God who will not share His worship with others.

What did Jehovah teach the Jews?

Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Exo 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Deu 6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Many of the Jews were ready, for they knew what God had said to the prophets.

*****Ezr 1:5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.

Ezr 1:6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.

We should clearly understand that the chastening of the Lord is never about punishment it is always about reform. The Jews had been given the task of preserving the Word of God and they could not do this if they ignored the Word of God!

It is much like that today, the chastisement we go through is not about punishment it is about keeping us moving in the right direction toward eternal life in God's Heaven.

God was working on His people all the time they were in captivity! They had been cured of their idolatry! They now rejected all pagan gods!

They longed for the Living God!

They had a new devotion to the Lord's sanctuary, the Temple.

You see we must have a devotion to the House of God!

Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Nebuchadnezzar had captured Jerusalem in 604 BC.

The proclamation of Cyrus was in 538 BC.

Leaving time for the people to gather their belongings and make the long trip to Jerusalem, the work on the Temple began May 534 BC the 70 years had been completed just as Jeremiah had said by the Holy Spirit.

What caused Cyrus to do these things, besides wanting a prayer of thanks from these Jews?

His own advisers had told him of the prophesies of the prophet Isaiah.

If we cannot see the hand of God in all these things, then we do not understand the Lord as much as we think we do!

Just as God had done in Egypt, He had encouraged those who lived among the Jews to make a free will offering to them.

Cyrus would provide the funds for rebuilding the Temple.

Cyrus would provide a military unit for their protection for a time.

These people needed a free will offering in order to sustain themselves until they could get their homes rebuilt and grow their own crops.

We have missions and ministries that cannot survive today without free will offerings.

2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2Co 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

After a rough start the children of Israel began the work of rebuilding the Temple.

*****Ezr 3:9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.

Ezr 3:10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

Verse 9 is not part of our lesson, but it is hard to miss that name Jeshua. In Hebrew it means "he will save". In reality it is another form of the name Joshua which in the Greek is Jesus.

Jesus is the foundation of the Church and if you cannot accept the work of Jesus for your salvation, you cannot be saved!

For those who use typology, we can see the importance of this man named Jeshua!

In the Book of Nehemiah this same Jeshua was one of the men who gave the meaning of the Laws of Moses.

Neh 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

Neh 8:8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

We know that our Lord Jesus Christ has been involved in the safe keeping of the Word of God from the beginning.

Now this man was not Jesus in any way, but he could be considered a type of Jesus.

Even before the foundation of the Temple was laid the altar was repaired and offerings were made to Jehovah God.

A continuous burnt offering was made, and all the feast were kept during the rebuilding of the Temple.

These people had learned by a sad experience that they were dependent upon God!

The materials for the Temple were gathered from many nations such as Tyre and Sidon and the forest of Lebanon.

Have you ever noticed how God utilizes nations to move the Gospel?

The Romans built new roads to move their army quickly, but God used those same roads to proclaim the "Gospel".

Today we see all sort of modern ways to communication but at the same time these things can be used to spread the "Gospel".

We must never be afraid of these things. We must send the "Gospel" out in every way we can use because we know that the Word of God will not come back void and the Word of God cannot be stopped.

Christianity must be a uniting force and not be forced upon anyone like it was during the time of the crusades. God's Word will make a way because it’s He who sends it!

The priests in their apparel blew the trumpets, the Psalmist with the cymbals, there was something going on at God's House and all were invited to lay a stone on the foundation!

You want to build a Church, this is the best way!

There was singing and shouting, and praise being offered to Jehovah God for His true Word.

*****Ezr 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

Psalm 136 which is probably used here, tells of the great power of God but the emphasis is on God's goodness and God's mercy.

Mercy can be understood as compassion for those who miserable! These Jews were in captivity for 70 years. Some fared well, but I suppose many of them were no more than slaves.

God had realized these things from His beginning, and He decided, He would be more like a Father than as a Deity who cared not for His creation!

God not only has "mercy" he also expects us to show mercy even to our enemies.

Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Mat 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

When we understand the mercy of God, we can begin our climb out of the miry clay of sin and then we will also praise the Lord for His goodness.

A good man knows the difference in right and wrong and he will choose right every time!

Without God's goodness and God's mercy, we would never get to see God's "GRACE".

Today the morality level and the goodness level in America, is almost nonexisting!

Being back home was a great feeling for the Jews.

Many of them had never even seen Jerusalem as they were born in captivity, but during those years their parents had continued to share the Word of God with them.

Many of those who had seen the Temple of Solomon knew that this rebuilt Temple would not possess the grandeur of Solomon's Temple.

The things we will miss if we do look closely are:

1) This became a working church

2) They all worked together

3) They were obedient to the Word of God

4) They worked without ceasing

5) They celebrated singing worship songs

6) They were thankful

We know that today the Bible says we are a Temple of God. How are we working compared to these Jews?

1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

1Pe 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

What did Paul preach?

1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We must realize that a Temple that has fallen will never be as grand as it was before it fell and we must remember that today each Christian ia a Temple of God!

The second Temple would not ever reach the splendor of Solomon's Temple. If we allow our temple to fall back into sin and return to the Lord with full forgiveness, we will never be the witness we could have been!

*****Ezr 3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

Ezr 3:13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

The first and the second Temple were built in the exact same place, they had nearly the same foundation, they were both built with the same design.

The Temple that we raise, that our forefathers saw, is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and the Prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself the Chief Corner Stone.

We have the same "gospel", we have the same Savior, and the same Holy Spirit who lives within us for conversion, edification, support, and comfort!

For the Jews the first Temple surpassed the second Temple because it was built with better materials.

But we today as sinners who were not fit to be a Temple of God, are built into a glorious Temple of God.

As a Temple of God we must be Holy!

1Co_3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Just as the second Temple was dedicated to God. so we are to be dedicated to God.

This is where the Church of today fails the most!

In fact there are so many that have rejected the truth of God, the Church is tarnished.

We must remember Jesus did not say the Word of God was true, Jesus said the Word of God is the "Truth"!

There is no higher authority anywhere on this planet and there never will be, until the Lord returns!

Joh_17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Ezra is considered to the father of Jewish religion and he gave his life to keep the Jews in line with the Word of God.

This the same period when the Pharisees got started and this began with good intentions to keep the people in line with the Word of God.

It later days, the they begin to add their own interpretation, their own words, making their own words, the words of man, to be greater than the Word of God.

Again this is the same thing happening in our world today. The Church has allowed the world inside the Church and the words of man and politicians to be greater than the Word of God.

Some people today cannot discern the truth from the man-made laws because they refuse to study the Word of God themselves and they depend on some man to lead them in the right way. It is a shame!

When the world gets inside the Church then the work of God will cease.

*****Ezr 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

We must understand that the tactics of Satan and those who reject the only God, Jehovah are wicked!

If they cannot bend the goodness of the Church to their own wishes, they will change their tactics and call the good bad and the bad good.

They will hire politicians to frustrate the work of the Church.

They will seek out men with no scruples who will deliberately use their influence and their pocketbooks, in an evil cause for their own gain!

When we get away from the promises of God and listen to the false promises of the world, the Church will cease to exist.

If not for the Holy Spirit this would take place!

As our world removes more and more of the history of our lives, they gain more control.

As the world takes control of the minds of our young people, they gain more control.

As the world tramples on the Word of God, they gain more control.

We must wake up to these tactics, take our stand on the Word of God, and refuse to move until the Lord comes.

We are not to be timid with the Word of God, we are to be bold!

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

When the Church will not take a stand, the world will roll right over us, as we see today!

Amen

Let's Pray!

Jehovah God Leads His People

It Is Jehovah God That Leads His People

Our Text:

Exodus Chapters 13,14,15

We saw in chapter 12 many things but in 12:41 it plainly states that it was exactly 430 years to the exact day that they had been in Egypt.

Exo 12:41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, [even the selfsame day it came to pass], that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.

This would have been from the time that Jacob (Israel) had taken his family to Egypt. It is by the tender compassion of the Lord God that we are all set free. Israel had a divine appointment as told to Abraham. God had displayed some of His "awesome" power but these things had not released these people from their bondage. It was not until the "Blood of the Lamb" was applied that brought redemption.

Israel was redeemed by the "Blood". They could now travel out of Egypt to the "Promised" land. If we watch the news we see that very same land is a hot topic in our day. Israel only has a portion of the land promised of God.

I believe people, especially Americans are so confused about this nation. Israel lives on a piece of land no bigger than the State of South Carolina where I live and yet there are those that would try to place two nations in this small area. If the Palestinian need a home you would think that the adjacent nations to Israel would move their own boundaries to allow this to happen but this has never really been the concern of these so called Palestinian.

They want what Israel has and nothing will satisfy them. There are really no Palestinian, as Palestine is an area much as North America, or South America or Europe. There has never been a nation called Palestine. Enough said.

Israel was redeemed only by the "Blood". It is by the "Blood" that made them to travel out of Egypt. It is by the "Blood" that comes life:

Deu 12:23 Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: [for the blood is the life]; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.

The "Blood of the Passover Lamb" was given for a substitute for the life of the first born.

When we that believe say we are redeemed it is by the "Blood of Christ Jesus" IT IS TO BELIEVE THAT HIS LIFE WAS A SUBSTITUTE FOR OURS!

The "Blood" of Jesus is sufficient for all! Not one Israelite perished that applied the blood.

When the "Blood of Jesus" is applied not one "Soul" will ever suffer lost!

This plan of "Salvation" was GOD'S IDEA, IT WAS GOD'S PLAN. To question it or try to change it in any way will bring the "Wrath Of God".

Who are we as His Creation to decide spiritual matters that He has already decided upon. To Abraham, God said:

Gen 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, [God will provide "himself" a lamb] for a burnt offering: [so they went both of them together].

We cannot walk with God, WITHOUT THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB!

It was John the Baptist that told the world:

Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

It is through the shed "Blood of Jesus" that God redeems even in our day:

Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

When Jesus suffered and died on that cross He was a substitute for all our sins and not to forget, God's wrath He would have sent to each of us, He sent also to that substitute, Jesus Our Lord, so that we will never see His "Wrath".

THE CHILD OF FAITH WILL NEVER SEE THE WRATH OF GOD!

These are the promises God makes to those that believe and become His "Own" children.

The first section of Exodus focused on God's powerful saving presence. This next section will focus on God's guiding light, His provision for His people, and His protection. This is a "type" of God's redeemed as we travel through life's journey after being "Born Again".

We can now focus on "God's Presence" to those He has redeemed.

*****Our text:

Exo 13:1-22:

Exo 13:21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Exo 13:22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

What we see is that when God acts in "Grace" toward His people, He thereby lays claim to them! A redeemed people then become the property of God.

To the Church, He says:

1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

And Paul was given these words:

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Personal devotion is the first thing which God has a right to look for from His "blood bought" children.

In our journey God tells us:

Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, [that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk], in the vanity of their mind,

Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

We must remember why Christ Jesus even came to this Earth. He had one purpose!

1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, [that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners]; of whom I am chief.

God lead the children of Israel out of Egypt:

Exo 12:51 And it came to pass the selfsame day, that the LORD did bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

This was not a disorderly mob running for their lives. God is not the author of confusion. These people came out in an orderly fashion.

Exo 13:18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

That word "harnessed" means they came out as able bodied soldiers.

There was no weakness in these redeemed of God at this time:

Psa 105:37 He brought them forth also with silver and gold: [and there was not one feeble person among their tribes].

We also know of the bones of Joseph in which we can know the faith of Joseph:

Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

On the day of the "rapture" of the Church, the bones of all the believers will also make their journey with the redeemed.

In "type" the bones of Joseph bring a deeper meaning as a type of Christ:

2Co 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

2Co 4:10 [Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body].

2Co 4:11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

We might ask, Why did God choose the route they took.

Exo 13:17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, [Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt]:

Exo 13:18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

You see there are always those that will war with God's people and God will show us His path to victory if we will only follow!

Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Psa 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

To the Church God says:

Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; [that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy].

As we travel in our daily walk with the Lord we need to stay on the path He has chosen for us. That is where we are the safest:

Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

We are never left alone to choose our own path!

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

God always has a purpose when He chooses our path!

1.) To the children of Israel, He would show His power over all His creation as He would part the Red Sea for them to walk across on dry ground.

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

2.) To Pharaoh a "type" of Satan, He would show what happens when evil is in hot pursuit of God's people. Satan will eventually be cast into that "burning lake of fire":

Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

3.) God would take this time to reveal His laws without the distraction of being in the world.

Exo 20:1 And God spake all these words, saying,

Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

To the New Testament Church:

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

4.) Israel would be organized into a nation of God fearing people.

Act 7:53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

To the Church:

2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

5.) It is when the redeemed are called that they will be:

a.) they will be humbled

b.) they will be tried

c.) they will be proved

This goes for the church also!

God will show His sufficiency to all His children!

And the journey begins:

Exo 13:20 And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.

To the Church our journey to Heaven, (The Promised Land), can only begin after we are redeemed by the "blood of Jesus".

Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

This "pillar of the cloud" was the visible sign of the Lord's presence with Israel!

This pillar did not change it's form at day or night:

Exo 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians [through the pillar of fire and of the cloud], and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

What do we learn from this?

1.) God's "Cloud" was not given to Israel until they were redeemed.

That cloud is a "type" of the Holy Spirit. To the Church, the saint of God cannot receive the Holy Spirit until they redeemed through that prayer of faith and washed in the "blood of Jesus".

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

2.) This "Cloud" was a gift from God to Israel.

To the Church.

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

3.) This "Cloud" was to guide Israel.

To the Church

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

4.) This "Cloud" was a light for Israel.

To the Church

Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of

Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of the fear of the LORD;

Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Joh 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

5.) That "Cloud" was for a covering(protection) for Israel.

Remember that wilderness was a desert with a burning sun. They were sheltered from that burning sun. A welcome relief to a slave that had been making brick to be baked by the sun.

To the Church

Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

6.) God spake to Israel from this "Cloud".

Psa 99:7 He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.

Psa 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.

To the Church

Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Luk 9:34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.

Luk 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

7.) This same "Cloud" of light to the nation of Israel was a "Cloud" of [darkness] to the Egyptians.

Exo 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

Exo 14:20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

To the Church

Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

8.) The "Cloud" rested on the Tabernacle of God

Exo 40:34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

To the Church

Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Act 2:3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

9.) This "Cloud was not taken away from them in their journey.

Neh 9:19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

To the Church

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

10.) This "Cloud" will once again descend upon Israel.

Isa 4:5 And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.

Isa 4:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain

This will happen after the Church is in Heaven.

Rom 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Rom 11:12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

*****Our Text:

Exodus 14:1-18

Exo 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Exo 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Exo 14:15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:

Exo 14:16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.

Exo 14:17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exo 14:18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

It is not so important to know the exact location where Israel had camped. What we should see is that Israel was shut in by the wilderness and the Red Sea was in front of them. To the people of Israel this would have looked like they had been led into a trap with no means of escape. They had no where to flee from the oncoming Egyptian army.

There are those that say "Pihahiroth" means "mouth of water" but what we will see is the greater meaning, "Place of Liberty"! It was in this place that Israel was indeed delivered from those that had held her in bondage for so long.

"Migdol" means "tower or fortress" and we will see that Jehovah God fulfilled this meaning.

When Pharaoh saw the predicament of Israel, he was determined to exact his vengeance on them.

As Israel was shut in by the wilderness so we see our on lives when we have little faith. It is not until we realize how much God loves us that we can obtain the "peace" that comes from our relationship with a Holy God.

Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

We must be spiritually minded for the truth is:

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

We are on the winning side and it is good to remember that when trouble is before us.

Pharaoh would see the "Lord of Judgment" who stands between him and God's people. Pharaoh saw easy victims. He was blinded by Satan and had forgotten already that it was God that had taken his son and not Israel.

Pharaoh would see more God than he had ever known:

Zec 2:8 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: [for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye].

Terrible as the plagues had been something more, even his own death, would be required to humble this Pharaoh and his arrogant subjects. God would have to remove all fear of Egypt from the thoughts of Israel. The army of Egypt had not been used at any time during the time of the plagues and Pharaoh was confident in the power of his nation.

Sounds a lot like America. I hope our leaders never take a stand fully against God and place our military strength at a level to compare with the "Power of God". The results will always be the same. God does not loose any battles, nor any war!

The sight of this advancing army caused much fear in the children of Israel. In the first trial of their faith these people were failing.

We have only one cure for our fear, we must stay focused on the Lord!

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

This world is not going to get better:

2Ti 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

2Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

They cried out to the Lord but not in faith and hope but ONLY IN COMPLAINT AND DESPAIR.

Are we not the same. Do we not lay our faith aside and only complain about our problems every day? Why does the Lord love us so much as we are certainly unworthy of such love.

They now confronted Moses. Unbelief will lead us to place the blame on everyone but on our own selves.

Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

The Lord had promised that they would worship Him and God does not break His promises!

Exo 3:12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: [When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain].

It was God that had placed Israel in this predicament. They had been led by that "Pillar of Cloud". We are wrong when we expect our walk with God to be a smooth walk. It rarely is!

What we need to remember is that God will supply our every need in our walk with Him.

Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

And He will provide a way of escape:

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

These are the promises we need to keep our minds on and not the fear of our flesh.

A lesson we see most every time a "lost sinner is saved" is the fact that the "spite of the Devil" will be directed at this saved soul in a form of wrath just as this Pharaoh was seeking his wrath on Israel. Satan hates to loose those he has in bondage and will show his anger toward them. He cannot recapture them but he can and will try to destroy their testimony and show their lack of faith.

We will see here the failure of his efforts.

Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

God will never desert His people!

Our text:

Exo 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them:

Exo 14:20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.

Exo 14:21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

Exo 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exo 14:23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

Exo 14:24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,

Exo 14:25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

Exo 14:26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.

Exo 14:27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

Exo 14:28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.

Exo 14:29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

Exo 14:30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.

Exo 14:31 And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

In the words that God gave to Moses:

"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day"

God told Abraham:

"Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. (Gen 15:1)

God told Joshua:

"Fear not, neither be thou dismayed" (Joshua 8:1)

God told Gideon;

"fear not: thou shalt not die" (Judges 6:23)

God tells all the Jewish remnant in prophecy yet to come:

Isa 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, [fear not]: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

God tells the all those that will see His Kingdom:

Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

God tells all His children:

Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

How can we "fear not"?

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isa 26:4 Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

THAT'S WHY IT IS CALLED "FAITH".

We must stand still in these times of our demise! Our attempts to help our own self must end! We must "depend" on God to fight these battles!

Unbelief magnifies our problems to the point of allowing them to overwhelm us.

It is "faith" that raises us up above all our problems and straight to God Himself and allows us to standstill!

What we see in the end was:

Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

It is "faith" that will win our battles in the end!

"Faith" is not what we see with our own eyes, "faith is what we see spiritually".

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

What we realize is that we cannot "go forward" in the Lord until we have first "stood still" in the Lord.

When Moses lifted up that "rod of God" this time there would take place a miracle beyond belief right before the eyes of Israel and soon Egypt.

The waters of the Red Sea did not begin to divide until the feet of God's children were on the very edge. Those waters did not part until it looked like they were going to get wet.

Their "faith" could not come by sight and neither can our faith come from what we see!

When those on the front stepped forward into the water, their feet touched only dry ground. Those waters parted as they took each step!

The Bible says:

Psa 106:7 Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.

Psa 106:8 Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

Psa 106:9 He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

Psa 106:10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Psa 106:11 And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

Though the Egyptians pursued God would not allow them too. Again the "rod of God" closed the Sea upon the Egyptians and they all drowned.

"there remained not so much as one of them"

Those that attempt to do without faith, what a believer can do with faith will surely fail.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Joh 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Joh 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Those that try to obtain Holiness without believing will not become Holy in the eyes of God. God simply will not allow it!

In "type" the crossing of the Red Sea is as Christ making a way through death for His people. The Red Sea is a picture of "death". Moses lifting up the "Rod of God" is a "type" of Christ. Death(Red Sea) completely destroyed Pharaoh and his subjects.

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; [that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil];

To Israel "death" became the deliverer. Death held no power over them. Death became their friend.

Spiritually we can see that when "death" over takes the believer before the return of Christ, that "death" will only bring that soul into the presence of Christ.

1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, [or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come]; all are yours;

1Co 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

But sadly:

For the lost soul to meet death in the power of the flesh it is certain destruction!

The deliverance of Israel from the Red Sea illustrates to us the SUFFICIENCY OF GOD!

Isa 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

*****Our text:

Chapter 15:

This chapter records the first song recorded in the Bible. Long before any other song the Israelites were singing of that great day they passed through the Red Sea on dry ground. It is therefore a song of redemption.

To Israel:

Hos 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Jer 31:11 For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.

To the Church:

If "ransoming" is the payment of the price of "redemption" then it is deliverance of those persons for who the price was paid.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

We already have our down payment:

Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Only a redeemed people can offer up "praise" to Our Lord.

When Moses memorialized this incident with song it was to insure that this event was never to be forgotten.

God cannot be our strength until He is first "Our Salvation"!

Two things we will learn as Christians after salvation is:

1.) There will be some wilderness training!

God has to remove all pride so we can be humbled.

Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

2Co 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

2.) When we are in this wilderness, God will walk with us step by step.

Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Christ knew what it was to suffer and though we may suffer as He did, He will be with us at all times.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

God led His people through the wilderness to prove them:

Deu 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

To "prove" simply means God wants us to find out if we are sincere in our own hearts toward Him for He already knows. If we are sincere we will humble ourselves before Him!

What we see in "type" was as the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea they came out on resurrection ground. Their journey through the Red Sea is a "type" of a believer's union with Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

It is on "Resurrection" ground where we as believers become that "New Creature". Therefore the world no longer has anything to offer us.

That old wilderness will be left behind as we walk in our new "Spiritual Life".

Those that cannot see the light of Jesus will make their homes in that wilderness of this world till they die.

"Faith" is the key that makes the difference in how we see our world.

The saved of God know this is not our home:

Heb 11:10 [For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God].

Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and [confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth].

*****Exo 15:22 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].

We will find that there is nothing on this earth that can minister to our "New Life" in the Lord Jesus. We find out our old life and it's companions are now distasteful and unsatisfying. We will realize that sin only brought joy for a season.

Heb 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, [than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season];

Nothing on this earth can quench the thirsty soul of God's children:

Psa 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Psa 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

Psa 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Jesus only can say:

Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, [If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink].

*****Exo 15:23 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.

As a child of God the things of this world become bitter and and we yearn for home:

Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

It is then we should realize that we have a purpose. God left us on this earth for a reason. If we expect a peaceful life out of contact with this world, then that wilderness will teach us the truth. It will not be easy to be a Christian. We must start out and remain with the right point of view!

*****Exo 15:24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

Three days before this day Israel was praising God for His salvation. They now offer up something entirely different.

We must not forget that there is a reason for everything God does and He does all things for the "Right Reason".

Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him [who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will]:

Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

This journey of Israel was written for us to learn by and this time is most important:

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

*****Exo 15:25 And he(Moses) 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,

You know many think that they should take every little problem to their Pastor or Preacher so he can pray to the Lord for them and he will.

But through the cross, the vail was torn down that we all can and should pray ourselves for what ails us. This is to great a privilege for us to ignore.

God gave us His Word, the Bible, as a love letter to tell us how He will meet our needs. He gave us His "OPEN EAR" that we can tell Him of our Love for Him and also what needs we have. He already knows, so He wants to hear from us, He wants to hear our voices calling out to Him!

The Bible says:

Psa 103:10 [He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities].

Psa 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psa 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Psa 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

It is because of Jesus we have this privilege:

Heb 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

It is Jesus that paid for this privilege to contact our Father in Heaven:

1Jn 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Why do we not take advantage of this and PRAY? We have only one rule for prayer:

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

What did God show to Moses?

A TREE!

How could we miss this "type" of Christ?

The very first Psalm should be our song too:

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psa 1:4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Psa 1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Psa 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

It is this "tree" that is a "type" of Christ:

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

This is the tree(the Cross) that makes the bitterness of this world so sweet to all that believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!

Php 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

If we suffer with Him:

2Ti 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

2Ti 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

2Ti 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

*****Exo 15:26 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.

Exo 15:27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

The Promise!

(IF)

Now that Israel was redeemed then they were expected to obey the Word Of God!

Grace abounds but "Grace is not lawlessness"!

Rom 5: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God "through" our Lord Jesus Christ:

There is peace "through" Jesus!

The keeping of God's commandments have nothing to do with our salvation!

BUT WE NEED GOD'S COMMANDMENTS SO WE WILL KNOW HOW TO WALK IN HIS WAYS!

If we fail to be obedient to God's Word, HE WILL CHASETISE US!

"I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee"

GOD WOULD NOT HAVE HAD TO HEAL IF HE HAD NOT HAD TO BRING THAT HEAVENLY HICKORY(plagues,diseases)

The we see that:

1.) The bitter waters of Marah.

2.) The "tree" that healed those waters.

3.) Now the wells of pure water and the palm trees for shade and refreshment.

Rev 22:2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

We will be in this land of peace one day and soon is the key word but we must know that if we do not come through the Cross on Golgotha's hill we will never drink of that pure water!

Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let's Pray!