Exodus 17:1-7

WATER FROM THE ROCK

Keywords 17:6

I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

 

1. The people quarrel and grumble from thirst (1-4)

The LORD led the Israelites from the Desert of Sin to Rephidim where they camped. Unfortunately, there was no water. The people demanded water. They bitterly complained that they would die of thirst. Following God to Rephidim seemed to make life worse, not better. In fact, God did this to help them to know and trust him better. Would they remember how God had delivered and provided and then turn to him in faith? They did not and by grumbling, they put the LORD to the test.

 

2. The rock points to Christ (5-7)

God told Moses to take his staff and in the presence of the elders, strike the rock at Horeb. When Moses did so, water came forth for the people to drink. The rock points to Jesus Christ (1 Co 10:4). When mankind suffered in sin, God provided Jesus who was struck for us. Anyone who is thirsty is invited to drink from Jesus (Jn 7:37). All who drink the water Jesus gives will never thirst again (Jn 4:14).

 

Prayer Father, when circumstances are overwhelming, please help me to trust you in faith and know Jesus better. Forgive my unbelief.

One Word Turn to Jesus our Rock

Exodus 16:13-36

MANNA TRAINING

Keywords 16:28

Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?

 

1. One omer per person per day (13-20)

Manna (which means, “What is it?”) was given by God as their daily bread training. First, they must collect one omer per person daily—no more, no less. Anyone who overslept went hungry (21). Second, they must not keep any until morning. Some disobeyed this, and their manna stank with maggots. God wants us to depend on him daily, not twice a year, once a week, or every other day.

 

2. Rest on the Sabbath (21-36)

Third, they were to rest weekly on the Sabbath (7th day). So, they had to collect two portions on the sixth day. This extra manna did not stink. However, some habitual people went out to collect manna on the Sabbath. Of course, there was none. God rebuked their disobedience. God commanded them to keep a jar of manna as a sign of God’s provision for future generations to see. God fed them for 40 years with manna.

 

Prayer Lord, you are our Provider. Forgive me for not coming to you daily and trusting your provision.

One Word Come to God our Provider daily

Exodus 16:1-12

GRUMBLING AGAINST THE LORD

Keywords 16:12

"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.' "

 

1. Another grumbling incident (1-5)

When walking by faith puts us through hard times, it is easy to grumble. So Israel grumbled against their leaders—Moses and Aaron, when they had no water (15:24), and now no food (3). To live as slaves with full stomachs seems better than being free and hungry. The LORD told Moses that he would test them with daily bread training.

 

2. You will know I am the LORD your God (6-12)

The LORD brought them out of Egypt. Their grumbling against their leaders was actually grumbling against God, who had delivered them and was leading them. The LORD’s glory appeared to them. God would give them meat for supper and bread for breakfast. Then they would know that he is the LORD their God.

 

Prayer Lord, forgive my grumbling against people and against you. You are the LORD my God, leading my life. I trust in you.

One Word Don’t grumble; trust in the LORD

Exodus 15:22-27

I AM THE LORD WHO HEALS YOU

Keywords 15:26

He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."

 

1. No water to bitter water to fit water (22-25a)

After the Red Sea miracle, the people traveled for three days in the desert without finding water. They found bitter water and called the place “Bitter”. They grumbled bitterly against Moses, “What are we to drink?” Moses cried out to God, and God showed him wood that made the water drinkable.

 

2. The LORD who heals you (25b-27)

God instructed and tested his people there. Would they would listen to him, do what is right, and keep his commands? If so, he would not bring diseases on them, as he did on Egypt. Complaining expresses unbelief. God wants to heal us. Then they found 12 springs and 70 palm trees.

 

Prayer Lord, in difficult times, when I’m tempted to complain, may I rather trust you and cry out to you in prayer. You are my Healer.

One Word Trust the LORD our Healer

Exodus 15:1-21

SING TO THE LORD FOR HE IS HIGHLY EXALTED

Keywords 15:1a

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.

 

1. The LORD is my strength and defense (1-11)

Moses and all Israel sang praises to God for his deliverance from the boastful, bloodthirsty Egyptians (9). The LORD is our true strength, defense and salvation, worthy of our praise (2). The LORD is a warrior against his proud enemies and opponents. Who is like the LORD—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (11)

 

2. The LORD reigns for ever and ever (12-21)

Part two of the song looks forward to God’s leading them into their new land, where God would dwell in his sanctuary. The LORD’s unfailing love would lead his redeemed people and guide them to his holy dwelling (13). Their neighboring nations would fear and tremble at God’s power. The LORD reigns forever. Miriam led the women in singing praises to the LORD.

 

Prayer Lord, you are my strength, my defense and my salvation. There is none like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glory. Lead us in your unfailing love.

One Word Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted

Exodus 14:15-31

THEY SAW GOD’S MIGHTY HAND AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN HIM

Keywords 14:31

And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

 

1. They will know that I am the LORD (15-22)

Moses told the people, “Be still.” But God’s plan was: “Move on!” God would divide the sea. Moses just had to raise his staff. And God would gain glory through Pharaoh and his army. They would know that he is the LORD. God’s angel and the pillar of cloud moved in between them. Moses raised his hand, the LORD drove back the sea all night, and the Israelites went through on dry land.

 

2. They saw the mighty hand of the LORD (23-31)

The Egyptians followed pursuit through the sea, but they soon realized that the LORD was fighting against them. God gave the command, Moses raised his staff, and the sea flowed back on Pharaoh’s army. Not one survived. When the Israelites saw God’s mighty salvation for them and judgment on Egypt, they feared God and put their trust in him, and in Moses his servant (31).

 

Prayer O Lord, your hand is mighty. I trust in you.

One Word See the mighty hand of God and trust in him!

 

Exodus 13:17-14:14

STAND FIRM; SEE THE LORD’S DELIVERANCE

Keywords 14:13a

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.

 

1. God led and went ahead of them (13:17-22)

God led his people on a longer route to avoid the Philistines. They also brought Joseph’s bones with them (Gen 50:25). God went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud by day to guide them on their way and a pillar of fire by night to give them light. So they could travel by day or night.

 

2. “The LORD will fight for you” (14:1-14)

Pharaoh had a change of mind and heart: he decided to go after them to either kill them all or enslave them again. But God was doing something to gain glory through Pharaoh and his army. The Israelites freaked out; they complained to Moses, saying it would’ve been better to remain as slaves. Moses told them, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the LORD’s deliverance…The LORD will fight for you.” Moses was right. He just didn’t know the details yet.

 

Prayer Lord, when you lead me and go ahead of me, I have nothing to fear. Even when I don’t know exactly what’s going on, I trust in your deliverance.

One Word Stand firm; see the Lord’s deliverance

 

Exodus 12:43-13:16

BECAUSE OF WHAT THE LORD DID FOR ME

Keywords 13:8

On that day tell your son, 'I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'

 

1. Passover restrictions (12:43-51)

God gave Israel rules for observing the Passover. Only those in covenant with God could eat it; they had to be circumcised. All Israel had to celebrate it.

 

2. Consecrating the firstborn to God (13:1-16)

Two more things were to be done to remember God’s mighty hand of deliverance: eat unleavened bread for seven days at that time of year, and dedicate their firstborn animals and sons to God. This meant redeeming their sons with a lamb sacrifice. God delivered the firstborn sons of Israel; so they belong to God. Our lives belong to Jesus, for he redeemed us by his blood. It’s good to give God regular sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving for what he has done for us.

 

Prayer Lord, my life and soul and all I have comes from and belongs to you. Jesus, you have redeemed me, and I belong to you. I give you my heart and my life because of what you have done for me.

One Word What will you do for the Lord, who has done so much for you?

Exodus 12:29-42

GOD STRUCK EGYPT, BUT SAVED HIS PEOPLE

Keywords 12:29a

At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt,

 

1. Not a house without someone dead (29-30)

The 10th and final plague on Egypt was the death of the firstborn—of Pharaoh, of prisoners, even of cattle. The Israelites were safe by the blood of the Passover lambs. But the Egyptians were struck down. Loud wailing filled Egypt, for every house had someone dead. God will judge all who defy his rule. But he will save all who trust in him.

 

2. “Go, worship the LORD” (31-42)

Pharaoh was done with Moses: “Leave! Go, worship the LORD, as you have requested.” The Egyptians even gave them silver, gold and clothing by the LORD’s doing; thus, Egypt was plundered. Over 600,000 men, plus women, children and others went with them. It was 430 years in Egypt for Israel. The LORD kept vigil and brought them out. They were free by the LORD’s mighty hand.

 

Prayer Lord, how great is your deliverance and salvation. You have saved me and set me free. May my life bring you praise and thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word Saved and freed to worship the Lord

Colossians 4:2-18

PRAYER, WITNESSING, AND SERVICE

Keywords 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

 

1. Prayer and witnessing (2-6)

What a great blessing we have in Jesus that we can come before our Father’s throne as his precious children and receive grace and mercy in prayer! Paul says we are to devote ourselves to prayer, to be alert to what is happening around us, and to have an attitude of thanksgiving. Our prayers must also focus on the advancement of the gospel, asking God for opportunities and wisdom to share the good news of Jesus. We must be careful in our conduct and conversations with others, seizing every opportunity we can to witness in a way that is full of grace and truth.

 

2. Faithful service (7-18)

As Paul shares his final greetings, we are amazed by the image of Christ we see in all his coworkers. Tychicus and Onesimus are both described as faithful and dear. They would personally convey Paul’s love and circumstances to the Colossians. Epaphras continued to work hard for the sake of God’s people and faithfully wrestled in prayer for them. Paul’s life is perhaps the greatest example of them all. His chains remind us of the sacrificial life he lived for the sake of Christ.

 

Prayer Father, give us strength to pray and serve.

One Word Devote yourself to prayer

Colossians 3:18-4:1

CHRIST IN THE HOME AND WORKPLACE

Keywords 3:18-19

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

 

1. The fullness of Christ in our families (18-21)

The fullness of Christ does not stop at our front door. His wonderful grace and love are to shape all our relationships, especially those among family members. Wives are to submit to their husbands, honoring the Lord Jesus who submitted himself to the Father. In turn, husbands are to love their wives with an agape love, laying down their lives for them just as the Lord laid down his. Children are to obey their parents in everything, setting the pattern that all of us are to follow as children of God. Parents are to remember that children are a precious gift from God and embrace them with the love and tenderness of Jesus.

 

2. The fullness of Christ in our occupations (22-4:1)

Paul spoke of the relationship between slaves and masters, but it applies to employees and employers as well. God grants a wonderful dignity to even the lowest position, for all our labor is for the Lord and he will see it and reward it. Those with people under their charge must remember that the Lord is master of all and treat their workers fairly.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, may your grace fill our lives.

One Word Honor Christ in your relationships

Colossians 3:12-17

LIVING AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE

Keywords 3:12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

1. Clothe yourselves (12-14)

Paul describes the proper clothing for Christians. We have a new and wonderful identity in Christ: we were chosen by God, dearly loved by Him, and made holy in Christ. Our new nature requires a new set of clothes! We are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are the wonderful qualities of Christ himself. We are to forgive those who have wronged us and bear with all our brothers and sisters. Over all these beautiful garments we are to put on love, which unites them all. The contagious, radiant love of Christ is to be visible to all.

 

2. The body of Christ (15-17)

The world is often a contentious place, full of strife and division. The church is to be different from the world. The body of Christ is to be a body of peace and thanksgiving, where the message of Christ dwells richly and flourishes. Members build each other up by teaching and admonishing each other in the wisdom of God while songs of praise and gratitude fill the community. Everything is to be done in the name of the Lord and for his glory.

 

Prayer Father, help us to grow in Christ.

One Word Live as the people of God

Colossians 3:1-11

YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST

Keywords 3:1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

 

1. Set your hearts and minds on Christ (1-4)

What defines you as a person? What are your passions and pursuits? Paul writes that since we have been raised with Christ, we are to set our hearts on things above, where Christ is. It means that we are to be consumed with his love and grace. We long to know more of his person and character, as well his glory and joy. Our minds are to be set on things above as well. Too often we are preoccupied solely with our daily needs and our worldly desires. Those whose lives are hidden with Christ will one day appear with him in glory. This is the hope that should occupy our hearts and minds each and every day.

 

2. Take off the old self and put on the new (5-11)

Now that we have been raised with Christ and have the hope of glory, there are things of our old nature that must be put to death. There is no place for them anymore. We are to rid ourselves of sexual sins and covetousness, which are forms of idolatry. We are to cast off hateful emotions and speech as well, rejoicing in the fact that all the barriers we used to know have been broken down in Christ.

 

Prayer Lord, our hearts and minds are yours.

One Word Set your hearts on things above

Colossians 2:6-23

FULLNESS AND FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Keywords 2:10a

and you have been given fullness in Christ,

 

1. The fullness of God lives in Christ (6-15)

Do not be taken captive by human philosophy! This is Paul’s warning to the Colossians and to all believers. The fullness of God dwells in Christ and in him we find our fullness as well. Believers are to be built up and rooted in him, ever growing in their faith and thankfulness. Think about everything that the Lord has done! In Christ, our old nature has been put off and buried. We have been made alive with Christ, our sins have been forgiven, our debts have been cleared, our condemnation has been taken away, and our enemies have been defeated. The victory we have in his death and resurrection is a complete victory. Nothing can be added to it or taken away from it.

 

2. Freedom in Christ (16-23)

Since their salvation was in Christ and their growth came from him, there were several worldly dangers the Colossians were to avoid. They were not to allow themselves to be judged or disqualified by those who promoted legalism. Legalists look very pious on the outside, but their hearts are still ruled by their sinful lusts. The Colossians had died to the world in Christ and were free from these rules.

 

Prayer Lord Jesus, you are everything we need.

One Word Our fullness is in Christ alone