THE WILDERNESS WAY SIN: “The Wilderness of Disappointment” Exodus 16:1-34

SIN Canaan Shur Rameses 16 And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, ……2 Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” Shur SIN

Exodus 16:1-34 2 Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt,

What is an omer or an ephah? An omer is 1/10 of an ephah which is 2 quarts or 2 liters An ephah is 10 omers or 3/5 bushel or 22 liters Two bags of Costco bagels 1 US dry quart = 21 oz in bread (reference: institute of culinary arts) Exodus 16:34

God Cares For His People 17 Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. 18 So when they measured it by omers, He who gathered much had nothing left over, He who gathered little had no lack. Every man had gathered according to each one’s need.

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain quota every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not.  Exodus 16:4

8 Also Moses said, “This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord.” Exodus 16:8

20 Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses 20 Notwithstanding they did not heed Moses. But some of them left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 So they gathered it every morning, every man according to his need. And when the sun became hot, it melted. Exodus 16:20-21

Psalm 106: 7,8 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea. Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known.

Disappointment The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Situational “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Nietzsche

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Expectation

 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?”  But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.  John 6:5,6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Psalm 106: 7,8 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea. Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power known.

The Problem with handling disappointment is that its HARD

The problem with handling disappointment is that it’s HARD! Let down Failure Defeat Discontent Discouragement Regret Disaster Displeasure Distress Disillusionment Disenchantment The problem with handling disappointment is that it’s HARD!

We always are able to be tempted. We always have choices we must make. As humans: We always are able to be tempted. We always have choices we must make. We always are limited in our knowledge. We always are capable of being emotional reactors instead of purposeful decision makers. Humans make mistakes, and being in Christ does not eliminate our ability to make mistakes. So we must set boundaries on humans, even humans in Christ. We let humans in Christ encourage us, but we follow Jesus. We let humans in Christ provide us examples, but we follow Jesus. We let humans in Christ lift us up, but we follow Jesus. We let humans in Christ warn us, but we follow Jesus. Never give a human  what belongs to Jesus Christ alone. Never give a human the kind of loyalty that belongs only to Jesus. Never give a human the kind of devotion that belongs only to Jesus. Never give a human the kind of appreciation that belongs only to Jesus.  Another instead of “a Christian” – or explain why that phrase.

Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Achievement, Triumph, Pleasure, Delight, Joy, Relief, Comfort, Phillipians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Achievement, Triumph, Pleasure, Delight, Joy, Relief, Comfort, Contentedness, Encouragement, Blessing

ONLY JESUS IS The promised fulfillment of God's determination to bring salvation to the world. The only One through whom salvation is available. The Son of God. The only One in whom there is no condemnation. The only sacrifice from God for the sins of all. The only One in whom there is no favoritism. The only One who can protect us through the living hope. The only One who can grant us entrance into the eternal kingdom. The real One sent from God to be Savior. The only One who can give us the mercy we must have. The only One who can take us to God

How do you want to live? As a slave of disappointment wandering in your wilderness, discontent? Or with the understanding of joy, triumph, and encouragement?

The Wilderness Of Crisis Next Sunday The Wilderness of Zin JOIN A DISCUSSION GROUP SUNDAY 6:00 – 7:30 pm HOME OF NORRIS & JODI GORMAN 4106 Walter Avenue, Perry Hall WEDNESDAY 7:00 – 8:30 pm HOME OF JEFF & CINDY PEYTON 124 Jefferson Avenue, Cockeysville FRIDAY 7:00 – 8:30 pm HOME OF BILL & BETH DUNKERTON – 8808 Gerst Avenue, Perry Hall