A Resort in the Desert

O.T. #177  "A Resort in the Desert"
Nov. 27, 2013
Exodus 15-Part 4
And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and three-score and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.  Exodus 15:27

LET IT GLOW

A few years ago, we took a business trip to Sands Springs, California. We flew over desert, desert, desert. Then we landed in this beautiful airport with palm trees. I had never seen such an airport with connections outside. I could not believe my eyes as we rode a bus to the exquisite resort. A lake, a golf course, beautiful flowers, palm trees were awaiting us. It was a resort, alright, a resort in the desert. I think the Israelites came to their resort in the desert. First, let's recall what happened previously.

Here we find the Israelites on their journey to Mt. Sinai. Everything was good. However, They ran out of drinking water. After three days marching in the wilderness, they found water at Marah, but it was too bitter to drink. So they complained to Moses, who prayed to God, and He turned the water from bitter to sweet when Moses threw a tree into the stream. Did they learn that it is better to pray than to complain? Did we?

Traveling on, they came to a place of rest, a type of modern Sand Springs, California kind of place. It was Elim, an oasis in the desert. Moses recorded the exact number of wells (12) and palm trees (10).
Although, I wonder how 2 million people got under the shade of only 10 trees. It probably didn't matter to them. They saw hope and relief from the hot sun.

The trial at Marah was brief, but God's blessings on the people at Elim were extended. God's loving-kindness toward us is abundant. (Falwell)

Have you found relief in God while you were going through a trial? Have you felt His lovingkindness?

LET IT GROW

While the Israelites sojourned in the wilderness, their responses to God's tests often followed a pattern that we still repeat today. Here's the cycle Charles Swindoll informs us:
1. Abundance from God.
2. Expectations of More.
3. Disappointments with Less.
4. Complaints over Circumstances.
5.  Provisions from God.

We find three tests that God gave to Israel:
1. The Time Test.
2. The Hunger Test.
3. The Thirst Test.

The Time Test was the first exam which the Lord gave to His people at Elim. Then He led them out from Elim to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai. This occurred 1 1/2 months after their miraculous departure from the land of Egypt (16:1) They moved from the abundance of Elim into the barrenness of Sin. This led to their complaining against Moses and Aaron (verse 2). After only a short period of time, the Israelites were already disregarding the mighty ways God had met their needs.

I am that way, too. I tend to forget about the wonderful things God does for me and then a trial comes and I complain. It doesn't take very long, either.
Thanksgiving is coming. For what are we thankful, friends?

LET IT GO

Praise God as I go on my journey of life.

Recall His great deeds and thank Him.