2.4. "CAME TO THE WILDERNESS OF SIN" (Exodus 16:1-36)

Exodus 16:1-38 records leaving the refreshment at Elim and the journeying in the wilderness of Sin - their murmuring - and God's provision of meat and bread. It is significant that it is stated that all the congregation murmured. Possible exceptions were Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:6-9, 30, 38 ). It was universal complaining for lack of bread (Exodus 16:3 ). The Lord intervened and satisfied them with bread from heaven (Psalm 78:25; 105:40 ). Jesus is the Bread from heaven satisfying us. He alone can give us life and sustain life.

Jesus said:

John 6:48-51 "I am the bread of life, Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."

Some lessons from the giving of the manna:-

IT WAS UNDESERVED

They murmured against Moses. (Exodus 16:2 ). Against the Lord. (Exodus 16:7 ) In grace, God gives.

IT WAS ABUNDANT

It rained bread. (Exodus 16:4 ). One omer for each person (Exodus 16:16 ). An 'omer' was perhaps about 2 quarts. Certainly a generous supply.

IT WAS GATHERED

They gathered it very morning (Exodus 16:21 ). They had to collect it. Each according to need.

IT WAS FRESH

None to be left till morning. (Exodus 16:19 ). Any kept, bred worms and stank (Exodus 16:20 ).

IT WAS CONTINUOUS

They gather a certain quota every day (Exodus 16:4 ).

IT WAS SPECIAL

They were to gather extra the day before the Sabbath rest (Exodus 16:23-26 ). The disobedient found none. (Exodus 16:27 ).

IT WAS FAITHFUL

Ate manna 40 years until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Does your personal Elim experience, drinking of the Holy Spirit, enable your going into the wilderness of further testing?
   • Are you following Jesus in this (Matthew 3:16; 4:1 )?

2. What is the most common way in which a whole congregation can fail?
   • Do you intend, by God's sufficient grace, to be an exception, like Joshua and Caleb were (Numbers 14:30 )?

3. What Manna are you feeding on?
   • Would you say both saved and unsaved are in the wilderness, but by grace the saved are miraculously sustained?
   • Are you rejoicing in the generous supply of all your need?
   • Do you find, with freshness each day, that Christ is sufficient and faithful?

4. In which way did God show mercy to the complainers?
   • Who did God say the complaints were really directed to?
   • In providing flesh for Israel to eat, do you find in this act a demonstration that the Lord will faithfully provide for your natural needs (Psalm 37:25; Matthew 6:33 )?

5. What is the negative side of failing to appropriate spiritual food for the day?
   • What is the positive benefit of eating your fill of the Word each day?
   • Do you experience a miraculous supply on your Sabbath rest?