From Bitter Waters to Trusting Hearts

 

From Bitter Waters to Trusting Hearts

Scripture: Exodus 15:22–27

The Israelites had just walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. They had seen the walls of water held back by the power of God. They had watched their enemies swallowed up in the returning waves. They sang a victory song led by Moses and Miriam. The air must have still been filled with the sound of praise when the journey turned in a new direction—into the wilderness. Here, in the desert heat, they faced their first real trial after deliverance. It would be a test—not of God’s ability, but of their faith.

The Background to the First Miracle After the Red Sea
After the Red Sea crossing, Israel journeyed for three days in the wilderness of Shur without finding water (Ex. 15:22). Thirst is a relentless need; it presses upon body and mind. Finally, they came to Marah—a place that offered water, but the water was bitter, undrinkable.
This was the setting for the first miracle after the Red Sea. God showed Moses a piece of wood; when Moses threw it into the water, it became sweet and drinkable. The same God who had turned the sea into a pathway could also turn bitterness into refreshment.

God’s Purpose in Testing Faith
Verse 25 says, “There He tested them.” This test wasn’t meant to make them fail, but to teach them to trust. God often uses the wilderness seasons of our lives to reveal what is in our hearts and to deepen our reliance on Him (Deut. 8:2).
Sometimes the greatest tests come right after great victories. After spiritual highs, God allows challenges to see if our faith is in the miracle—or in the Miracle-Worker.

Remembering the Past to Trust the Future
The Israelites had just seen God split the sea; surely He could handle bitter water! But human hearts are quick to forget. The psalmist reminds us, “Forget not all His benefits” (Ps. 103:2).
When we face new trials, the memory of God’s past faithfulness should be our anchor. If He has carried you through before, He can carry you through again. If He can turn the impossible into the possible, He can turn bitterness into blessing.

God’s Help Despite Our Grumbling
The people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” (v. 24). Even after all they had witnessed, fear and frustration overtook their faith.
Yet here is the beauty of God’s grace—He did not abandon them for their complaining. Instead, He provided a solution. This is the heart of our God: patient, merciful, and willing to meet needs even when our attitudes are less than grateful. As Paul wrote, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2 Tim. 2:13).

Lessons for Us Today

• Tests are training grounds. God uses them to build our trust in His daily provision.

• Remember the Red Seas of your life. Past victories are reminders that the same God is with you now.

• God’s mercy exceeds our failures. Even when we grumble, He is ready to help.

• Bitter waters can become sweet. What is bitter in your life today can be transformed by God’s power if you bring it to Him.

What About Our Wilderness
At Marah, God revealed Himself as Jehovah Rapha—“The LORD who heals you” (v. 26). The lesson was clear: if His people would listen, obey, and trust, He would take care of them.
In your own wilderness journey, when the water is bitter and the road is dry, remember what He has done before, trust Him for what He will do next, and believe that no trial is wasted in the hands of a faithful God.

Sabbath School Lesson 7: The Bread and Water of Life

 

EXODUS 

Sabbath School Lesson 7

The Bread and Water of Life 

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 7 video here.

(Video is Below)

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More Lesson 7:

Sunday: Bitter Waters

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Between the Miracle and the Red Sea: Trusting God in the In-Between

 

“Between the Miracle and the Red Sea: Trusting God in the In-Between”

Introduction:

Have you ever found yourself standing in the “in-between”? You’ve seen God move. You’ve tasted His goodness. You know His power. And yet—here you are—facing a new challenge, and suddenly your faith feels weak. Why is that?

This was exactly where the children of Israel found themselves—after the miracle of deliverance from Egypt, before the parting of the Red Sea. One would expect rejoicing and unwavering faith, but instead we hear fear, doubt, and even accusations against Moses and God.

Let’s look at their story and reflect on ours. Why do we, too, so often falter between the miracle and the next challenge?

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1. God's Past Faithfulness Is Not Always Our Present Focus

“And they said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?’” — Exodus 14:11

After all they had seen—the plagues, the Passover, the release from slavery—they panicked at the sight of Pharaoh’s army. Why? Because their eyes were on the problem, not on the Provider.

We’re no different. When life closes in, our minds often default to fear rather than remembering how God has already carried us.

“Forget not all His benefits.” — Psalm 103:2

Spiritual forgetfulness breeds fear. That’s why Scripture calls us to remember—to keep God’s faithfulness in clear view.

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2. We Like Deliverance but Struggle with Dependence

God delivered Israel from Egypt with a mighty hand. But now, at the Red Sea, He was inviting them to trust Him again. And that’s hard. Why? Because we don’t like to feel helpless.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14

Stillness is hard when you're being chased. Trust is difficult when you don’t see the way forward. But it’s in those very moments that God shows His power best.

“We live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Dependence on God is not a one-time act at conversion—it’s a daily lifestyle of trust.

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3. Our Fear Is Loud, but God's Voice Is Louder

God didn’t rebuke their fear with anger—He responded with a way forward.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.’” — Exodus 14:15

God doesn’t leave us paralyzed in fear. He calls us to move in faith. Even when the sea hasn’t yet parted, His command is clear: Go forward.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3

Fear will knock. But faith answers. And faith is rooted not in ourselves, but in who God is.

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4. God Uses the In-Between to Grow Our Faith

Sometimes God places us after the miracle but before the next one so that our faith will deepen. The Red Sea moment wasn’t just about escape—it was about revelation.

“Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.” — Exodus 14:31

Faith doesn’t grow in safety—it grows when we’re pressed to trust what we cannot see. And when we do, we know God more deeply.

“The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:3

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Conclusion:

So, why do we find ourselves like the Hebrews—faltering in faith despite God’s clear track record? Because we’re human. But God is gracious. He meets us in the in-between. He parts seas. He strengthens our trust. And He patiently teaches us to walk by faith.

Let us commit to being people who remember, depend, listen, and grow—especially when we’re standing between the miracle and the Red Sea.

“Jesus said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.’” — John 14:1

Amen.

The Song of Moses: A Song of Victory and Deliverance

 

The Song of Moses: A Song of Victory and Deliverance

Text: Exodus 15:1–21; Revelation 15:2–4

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Introduction:

Music has always been a powerful way to express the soul’s deepest emotions—joy, sorrow, awe, and gratitude. After one of the greatest deliverances in history, Moses and the Israelites did not remain silent—they sang! Exodus 15 records the first song in Scripture: the Song of Moses. It is a song of triumph, worship, and testimony, and it holds significance far beyond the shores of the Red Sea. In fact, this same song echoes into eternity, as seen in Revelation 15, where the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

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The Content of Moses’ Song (Exodus 15:1–18):

After the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army, Moses and the Israelites broke out in praise. The song exalts God’s power, His faithfulness, and His victory over evil.

• Verse 1 opens with a declaration: "I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea."

• The song praises God as a warrior (v.3), a deliverer (v.2), and a God of unmatched power (v.6).

• It recounts the destruction of Egypt’s army, not as a military achievement by Israel, but as a divine act of judgment and mercy.

• It also points forward, declaring that God will plant His people in the land of promise (v.17) and reign forever (v.18).

This was not just a song of celebration—it was a declaration of God’s character and a testimony of His salvation.

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Miriam and the Women Join In (Exodus 15:19–21):

Following the song of Moses, Miriam the prophetess, Moses' sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. She sang:
“Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” (v.21)

This moment is significant. It shows that deliverance leads to worship, and worship is communal. It wasn’t just Moses and the leaders; everyone, including the women, joined in praise. Their voices, instruments, and dancing reflected the joy of freedom, the gratitude of salvation, and the unity of God’s people in worship.

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The Song of Moses and the Lamb (Revelation 15:2–4):

Centuries later, John the Revelator sees a scene in heaven:
"And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb..." (Rev. 15:3)

The connection between Exodus 15 and Revelation 15 is powerful. In both, God delivers His people—in Exodus, from Egypt; in Revelation, from the power of sin, Satan, and this world.

The song in Revelation praises God's justice, righteousness, and holiness:

• “Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty!”

• “Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!”

The deliverance in Revelation is eternal. The sea of glass reflects peace instead of chaos. The redeemed have harps, not weapons. They sing because God has finally and fully conquered evil, and His judgments are righteous and true.

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What This Means for Us Today:

The song of Moses is more than an ancient hymn—it’s an example for us.

• We, too, are called to praise God in response to deliverance.

• When God brings us through trials, defeats enemies in our lives, or reveals His power in unexpected ways, our response should be worship.

• Like Miriam and the women, we should be unashamed to celebrate what God has done, publicly and joyfully.

• And like those in Revelation, we must remember that God’s final victory is certain. His judgments may seem delayed, but they are just, true, and sure.

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Conclusion:

The song of Moses reminds us that God is both Savior and Judge, Warrior and Shepherd, and Redeemer and King. As He brought Israel through the sea, He will bring us through every storm. And one day, when all is made new, we too will join in the song—not just of Moses, but of the Lamb, who gave Himself for us and conquered death forever.

So let us sing now in faith what we will sing in eternity:
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!”

Amen.

Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord

 

“Stand Still and See the Salvation of the Lord”

Text: Exodus 14:13–31

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Introduction
Have you ever felt completely trapped—cornered by fear, circumstance, or the unknown? The Israelites, newly freed from Egyptian slavery, felt exactly that. Behind them was Pharaoh’s army, armed and enraged. Before them, the Red Sea—wide, deep, impassable. And in that moment of panic, their faith crumbled. But God’s power didn’t.

Let’s reflect today on what God did for Israel despite their fear, and what that means for us when we face our own “Red Sea” moments.

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 God Acts Even When We Doubt
Exodus 14:13–14 (NKJV): “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today... The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

The Israelites cried out in fear and accused Moses of bringing them to die in the wilderness. After all they had seen—plagues, deliverance, the pillar of cloud and fire—they still couldn’t trust fully. But God didn’t wait for perfect faith. He acted.

Application:
God doesn’t require perfect faith to show up. He meets us where we are—in our fear, our confusion, even our complaints. He knows our frailty and still moves in mercy. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

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 God Makes a Way Where There Is No Way
In verses 21–22, the impossible happens: the sea parts, and Israel walks through on dry ground. The same water that became their salvation became the destruction of their enemies.

Application:
We often look at obstacles and only see what can’t happen. But God works in ways we can’t see or imagine. Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing... I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

God may not always part a literal sea, but He still removes barriers, rearranges outcomes, and protects us in ways we’ll only understand in hindsight. He works in the background, preparing victories we don’t yet see.

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 We Must Learn to Trust God's Timing and Presence
Israel wanted immediate escape. God gave deliverance—but in His way, at His pace, and for His glory. In verse 19, we see the angel of God and the pillar of cloud move behind Israel, standing between them and Egypt—God was shielding them even before the miracle happened.

Application:
We may not feel like God is doing anything, but that doesn’t mean He’s absent. He may be placing divine protection between you and danger right now. Psalm 121:4 assures us that “He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”

To grow in trust, we must:

• Reflect on past victories God has given us.

• Soak in His promises—like Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

• Surround ourselves with reminders of His faithfulness—through Scripture, testimony, and worship.

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 Let the Red Sea Moments Strengthen, Not Shake, Our Faith
Verse 31 tells us, “Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done... so the people feared the Lord, and believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.”
God used the Red Sea not only to save them—but to build their trust.

But here's the challenge: This faith didn’t always last. Later, they would complain again, doubt again, and even long to return to Egypt. Why? Because they forgot.

Application:
Don’t forget what God has done. Write it down. Tell it to your children. Build your life on His faithfulness. Don’t let today’s fear erase yesterday’s miracle.

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 Learning to Stand Still and Trust
You might be facing your own “Red Sea” today. Maybe fear is pressing from behind and doubt is blocking the way ahead. But listen again to God’s word through Moses:
“Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”

God is still the same—merciful, powerful, and present. Trust that He is working behind the scenes. He is not late. He is never overwhelmed. And just like the Israelites walked through walls of water on dry ground, He will make a way for you.

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Final Charge:
Let’s not be like the Israelites who quickly forgot. Let us remember, trust, and praise—even before the sea parts. Amen.