The Way Out - God in The Wilderness

Exodus 15-17Episode 9 - Oct. 13, 2025IntroductionTopanga State Park hike in the wilderness ContextIsrael enslaved for 430 years Moses sent to rescue God’s people God delivers Israel and destroys Pharaoh “Free at Last!” Moses leads Israel into the Wilderness in route to the Promised Land God goes with Israel into the Wilderness Israel’s story is our story “Dangerous Journey” illustration Three Ways God meets us in the Wilderness God comes with us into the wilderness and provides for our practical needs. No water at Mirah, then bitter water   Israel grumbles, “What are we to drink?” God hears and miraculously provides clean water, an Oasis No food at The Desert of Sin, the “whole community” grumbles Looking back to Egypt: “If only we died in Egypt!” We too look back on Egypt: we are no different than Israel God hears and miraculously provides food  God reveals His glory in the pillar of cloud Has Israel learned her lesson about God in the wilderness? No water at Rephidim, Israel quarrels with Moses  God hears, and miraculously provides water from a rock Hebrews 4:16Instead of grumbling, how much better to turn to God in faithGod is our Faithful Provider God comes with us into the wilderness and fights our battles and defeats our enemies. Attack by the Amalekites Joshua to fight, Moses to stand on the top of the hill Israel wins when Moses raises the staff, bot loses when he lowers the staff We don’t need a staff, we have a cross When we get tired and weary, we need others to hold up our handsGod is our Might Warrior God comes with us into the wilderness and reminds us of our salvation.  The rock Moses struck foreshadows how Jesus was struck 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 “The spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ” 1 Corinthians is a Reminder: Jesus was struck for us 1 Corinthians is a Warning: not all of Israel believed Romans 8:1 for all who do believeGod is our Loving Savior Call to ActionWhatever your circumstances, turn to God in the wilderness