DCLM Higher Everyday 3 January 2024 — Proving The Pilgrims
Topic: Proving The Pilgrims
Text: Exodus 15:22-27
22So 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.
24And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
25And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
26And 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.
27And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
Key Verse: “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. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink” (Exodus 15:23,24)
Message
When the children of Israel were confronted by the Red Sea and the rampaging Egyptian army, they prayed. When they were delivered by the mighty arm of the Lord, they sang. Shortly after, they were faced with lack of potable water to quench their thirst, they murmured. And this remained their pattern throughout their wilderness journey. But unknown to them, it was a test from above. The Lord allowed them to pass through hardship, deprivations and wants in the wilderness to humble them, and to prove them, to know what was in their hearts, whether they would keep his commandment or not (Deuteronomy 8:2).
Likewise, the Christian is on a pilgrimage to heaven. He/she may be subjected to similar tests and trials. God may allow temporary adversities and setbacks to come the way of a real believer. He may allow persecutions and tribulations to come his/her way. Believers are encouraged to receive such trials with joy and patience. If he/she endures till the end, he or she will enjoy the eternal glory awaiting all believers. There is no reason to murmur, instead pray.
Quote: There is no reason to murmur
Challenge: True faith must be tested in the fire.
Prayer for today: O God, help me to pass the trial of my faith.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
