Wash. Rinse. Repeat. Series

March 08, 2025

Last week, we left Israel on the edge of the desert of Shur. They had just witnessed the power of God in the destruction of the Egyptian Army in the Red Sea and now the greatest adventure of their lives was about to begin.

What do you think the people expected? An easy, pothole free, oasis on every corner, freeway to the Promised Land? No problems, no struggles, no inconveniences? Surely a God who parts seas can provide a trouble-free journey to the Land of Milk and Honey.

While their focus was getting to the “Promised Land” quickly and painlessly, God had other plans. Remember that God’s Master Plan was for his people - through the covenant relationship - to be a blessing to the world.

Before they could fulfill their mission, the rough edges were going to have to be smoothed and refined, so, Yahweh prepared a test – an opportunity for Israel to grow her faith…. Yahweh was teaching his people to trust him.

Exodus 15:22b-24 - … For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. So, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"

The cycle, which began in Egypt continued:

• God does something great….. The people rejoice.

• An apparent obstacle appears…. The people complain.

• God does something great….. The people rejoice.

Moses went to Yahweh and Yahweh showed him a piece of wood, which Moses threw into the water. The once bitter water became sweet ---- YAY!!

WASH. RINSE. REPEAT.

It was at Marah that Yahweh gave the people their 1st law:

Exodus 15:26 - "If you listen carefully to the voice of Yahweh 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 Yahweh, who heals you."

Was this a promise of health for health’s sake? Was health or lack of disease the end goal? Again, I would argue no. Certainly, good health is a nice side benefit, but I am convinced that God’s main purpose was to create a witnessing opportunity.

Through obedience Israel would experience good health – the nations would notice that Israel was not suffering from the ailments they suffered from and they would wonder why – enter witnessing opportunity – enter blessing.

Let’s get this straight - land, nationhood, health, prosperity and every other blessing from Yahweh were NOT the end goal. God did not rescue Israel from Egypt just so that they could sit fat and happy in Palestine. Every blessing Yahweh bestowed on Israel were to be the means by which he would ultimately bless the world.

The people had one set of expectations (land, nationhood, prosperity) while God had a different set of expectations (covenant relationship ? sacred trust ? bless the world). These expectations were in conflict – never to be fully resolved.

The people came to Elim where there were 12 springs and 70 Palm trees and they camped near the water.

6 weeks later they left Elim and headed into the desert of Sin – their destination, Mount Sinai.

It didn’t take long before grumbling began to spread throughout the camp. This time the problem was a lack of food.

To Moses and Aaron the people went: “If only Yahweh had killed us in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate bread until we were full! You have brought us to this desert to kill us all with hunger.”

To Yahweh Moses and Aaron went and Yahweh responded: “I will rain down bread from heaven. Tell the people that they are to gather only enough for each day. On the 6th day they are to gather twice as much. This will be a test to see whether they will follow my instructions.”

Back to the people Moses and Aaron went: "In the evening you will know that it was Yahweh who brought you out of Egypt, and in the morning you will see his glory, because he has heard your grumbling against him…. Don’t you realize that you are not grumbling against us, but against Yahweh? Now come before Yahweh, because he has heard your grumbling."

While Aaron was speaking, the Israelites looked toward the desert and saw the glory of God appearing in the cloud.

That evening quail covered the camp and in the morning, dew covered the ground. When the dew evaporated, the ground was covered by what looked like frost. The people said to each other, “What is it?”

WASH. RINSE. REPEAT

“This is the bread Yahweh has given you to eat. Gather enough for each day, but no more.”