By Rick Elsey
Pastor, West End Baptist Church, Columbia
Focal Passage: Exodus 14:29-31; 15:22-27
After years of enslavement to the Egyptians, Israel desperately needed restoration and healing. Moses had been sent by God to lead the children out of Egypt but only Jehovah-Rapha, “the Lord who heals,” could bring physical, emotional and spiritual wellness to their lives. Over time Israel will learn this great truth and promise. As for now, they need to learn what it means to put their full trust and faith in Him.
Grumbling can be a hindrance to emotional and spiritual wellness. Israel had its moments of complaining and grumbling. To be fair, so have we. In Exodus 14:29-31 we are given a quick summary of God’s deliverance of Israel through the Red Sea. What a miracle to behold. Israel responded to God’s provision with awe and reverence. These are the same people, however, who were grumbling to Moses just the day before as they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army (vv. 10-12). Once they were safely on the other side of the Red Sea, their faith was restored.
How long would it last? How long before Israel’s faith would be tested again? After passing through the Red Sea, Israel traveled for three days looking for water (Exodus 15:22-24). When they did find water, it was unsuitable to drink. Did they pray and ask God for direction and wisdom? Did they ask God to do another miracle? No, they grumbled. Sadly, complaining was a common response of Israel whenever they faced tests of faith. The old cliché is true, “the more things change the more they stay the same.” As believers we struggle with the issue of grumbling. It reveals in us a lack of faith in God’s provision. In the midst of our struggles and hurt, we must trust that God can restore us and bring healing.
Facing the crisis of no water, Moses cries out for help and God once again delivers (Exodus 15:25-27). This time though God chooses to test Israel, but the test comes with the promise of a blessing. As we see throughout Scripture many of God’s promises are conditional. The blessings come if and when His people respond in obedience to His will. This is true regarding the promise in this passage. God will faithfully provide wholeness and healing if they in return are faithful. In verse 26 God offers up four conditions that must be followed by the Israelites if they hope to receive the blessing. They are similar and straightforward in nature. Just as the conditions had meaning for Israel, they have great application for believers today.
(1) They suggest a close relationship with God. Only a close relationship with God will allow us to carefully obey, pay attention and do what is right in His sight. To know the desire of God’s heart for our lives is to know Him and to be obedient in our response to Him.
(2) God calls us to be obedient to His word. We are called to follow His commands and keep His statutes. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the nature of God’s word (Hebrews 4:12). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. As we read and search God’s word, we discover the commands and statutes of the Lord. We reap the blessings of being obedient to His word.
In this passage we are reminded once again of God’s faithful provision. We can trust Him to be the God who heals. That healing comes in unique ways at unique times, but it will come if we trust in Him.
