Exodus 15:22–27 “When We Forget Grace”

Exodus 15:22-27 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Great Is Thy Faithfulness | Maranatha! Music
• Run To The Father – Cody Carnes
• Vertical Worship – Faithful Now

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Bible story “Bitter Water To Better Water” | Kindergarten Year B Quarter 3 Episode 11 | Gracelink -Lesson for Kids
• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands | Maker Fun Factory Music Videos | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Made For This | Maker Fun Factory VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Your Friend | Scuba VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites marched continuously for three days in the wilderness of Sur (verse 22). During their 40 years of wandering, the Israelites traveled in the direction of locations that had oases. They marched day and night until they reached an oasis settlement, where they would remain for several months or even years until the pillar of cloud shifted, prompting them to move again. After marching for three days, they arrived at a place called “Mara,” where the water was bitter and undrinkable (verse 23). Consequently, the Israelites murmured and complained against Moses (verse 24).

In response, Moses went before God and cried out (verse 25). The fact that the people complained and expressed discontent over even minor discomforts and hardships caused Moses to feel dejected. While he prayed earnestly, he opened his eyes and noticed a single tree before him. Sensing something unusual, Moses broke off a branch and threw it into the water. Instantly, the bitter water lost its bitterness and became sweet. The phrase “became sweet water” (verse 25) implies that the water turned into good tasting, pleasing water.

Thus, the Israelites camped there and remained for a while. During that time, God established “statutes and ordinances” for them. Although the details are not fully recorded, it appears that at Marah, God gave the Israelites their first teachings to follow. As He gave these instructions, God revealed Himself as “the Lord who heals you” (verse 26).

We do not know how long the Israelites stayed at Marah. Sometime later, the pillar of cloud that rested over the camp lifted, and the Israelites set out again. Eventually, they came to Elim, where “there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees” (verse 27). This suggests that it was a suitable location for an extended stay.

Meditation:

Just three days earlier, the Israelites had witnessed a miraculous event at the Red Sea. They believed they were doomed to die at the hands of the pursuing Egyptian army, but they walked across the sea on dry ground, and the entire Egyptian army chasing them was swept away and drowned. This was the most astonishing miracle in Israel’s history.

After experiencing that incredible wonder, they walked for three days and nights, finally arriving at a place with water. After such a journey, they were likely suffering from hunger and thirst. But the water they found was too bitter to drink. As soon as this was discovered, a wave of unrest, turmoil, complaints, and grumbling spread rapidly among the people. They completely forgot the astounding miracle they had experienced just days earlier and turned their complaints against Moses.

This is the nature of the human heart. Our hearts are so easily and firmly captivated by the immediate reality before us. We often fall into the illusion that what we see right now is all there is. At that moment, the Israelites journeyed according to God’s providence and plan. Regardless of their current circumstances, they are in God’s hands. If they truly believed that the ups and downs of the moment would not have so easily swayed them.

However, whenever they faced hardship, they forgot all the grace they had received in the past. They also forgot that they were under God’s sovereign care, and instead, they despaired, complained, and grumbled. This is exactly what happens in our own hearts today as we walk our spiritual journey.

Prayer:

Lord, we cannot blame the Israelites for pouring out their complaints against Moses at Marah, because we are just like them. Help us to remain steadfast not only in times of prosperity but also in times of hardship, not only in success but also in failure, not only in health but also in weakness. Keep our hearts consistent toward You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God wants us to remember His grace even when life is hard. Just like He turned the bitter water into sweet water for the Israelites, He can help us through our difficult times, if we trust Him instead of complaining or giving up.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What amazing thing did God do for the Israelites just before they got to Marah?
  • How did the people act when they found out the water was too bitter to drink?
  • What do you think God wants us to do when we feel upset or scared?
    
• For Youth
  
  • Why do you think the Israelites forgot about God’s miracle at the Red Sea so quickly?
  • What does this story teach us about how to deal with frustration or disappointment in our lives?
  • Can you think of a time when God helped you through something hard? How can remembering that help you today?