God provides in the wilderness.
Even when his people grumble.
Last week: God parted the Red Sea.
God had Moses raise his staff. Water stood up like a wall on either side.
The Israelites walked across on dry ground.
Pharaoh's army chased them in. Water closed. Egyptians drowned.
They were finally free. They sang a song of praise.
But it didn't take long before they started grumbling…
What is it?
Take a good look. Don't touch it yet. What do you think it is?
This is what manna might have tasted like.
"Manna… tasted like wafers made with honey."
The Israelites ate it every morning for 40 years. The word manna means "what is it?"
Two months out of Egypt.
Stuck in the wilderness.
God split the Red Sea. Israel was FREE.
About 2 million people + animals. No grocery stores. Hot. Hungry.
Canaan — the Promised Land — is still way off.
They
grumbled.
God answers grumbling with provision.
Small bird, about the size of a chicken. "Came and covered the camp."
"Fine flakes on the desert surface, as fine as frost." Tasted like honey wafers.
Every single day. For 40 years.
One day. One portion.
Gather only what you need for today.
Hoard more → it bred worms and stank by morning.
Friday gather double. Saturday is Sabbath — no manna falls.
The test: would they trust God day by day — instead of stockpiling and panicking?
Bitter water at Marah.
Three days. No water. They find some — bitter. Undrinkable. They grumble: "What are we going to drink?"
"He cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable."
— Exodus 15:25, CSB
Water
from a rock.
Different place — same problem. No water. Same response: grumble.
"Take the staff you struck the Nile with… I am going to stand there in front of you on the rock at Horeb; when you hit the rock, water will come out of it."
Hands up = winning.
Hands down = losing.
"When Moses's hands grew heavy… Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other — so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down."
Remember this — we're about to play it.
God is omnipotent
and faithful.
All-powerful. Quail, manna, water from a rock, victory in battle — no problem.
He keeps his promises. Provided food every day for 40 years. Not one missed.
"Do everything without grumbling and arguing."
We're a lot like the Israelites.
They saw God split the Red Sea, then complained about lunch. We do the same thing — God gives us so much and we still grumble about what we don't have.
Can you think of a time you grumbled or complained about something recently?
Next time, instead of complaining, do what Moses did: pray. God is faithful — he'll help us when we ask.
Pray together · Then games
Moses
Arms Up Quiz.
- Two teams: QUAIL vs MANNA
- Everyone stands. Arms STRAIGHT up.
- First team to answer correctly = +2 points
- Arms drop during a question = −1 point
Just like in the painting — teammates can hold each other's arms up at the shoulders. No grabbing wrists. Help your team like Aaron and Hur helped Moses.
12 questions · Two teams alternate · Press → for question 1
Where were the Israelites traveling to through the wilderness?
THE PROMISED LAND
(Canaan)
What did the Israelites complain about — saying they had it back in Egypt?
MEAT + BREAD
What meat did God send in the evening?
QUAIL
What are quail?
SMALL BIRDS
(about the size of a chicken)
What food did God give them in the morning?
MANNA
What does the word manna actually mean?
"WHAT IS IT?"
What day were the Israelites commanded NOT to collect manna?
THE SABBATH
What happened if someone collected more manna than they should?
IT GOT WORMS
+ stank
At Marah, what did Moses throw in the bitter water to make it drinkable?
A TREE
(or log / piece of wood)
The second time they needed water, Moses struck a ______ with his staff.
A ROCK
Philippians 2:14 says, "Do everything without ___ and ___."
GRUMBLING
+ ARGUING
In the battle, who held Moses's hands up when they got tired?
AARON + HUR
Check the score.
Look at the top of the screen. Who's winning?
Next up: gather your manna…
Manna Race.
Each team has 60 seconds to collect exactly the number I tell you — not more, not less.
+10
You trusted God for daily bread.
−5
Hoarded. Spoiled overnight.
0
Didn't gather enough.
Why exactly? God didn't give the Israelites too much or too little. He gave them exactly enough for the day. Your team has to figure out how to count, communicate, and gather the right amount as a team.
5 rounds · Press → for the timer
Count your manna.
+10 points. Trusted God for daily bread.
−5 points. Hoarded. Worms.
0 points. Didn't gather enough.
Going to the next round? Press ← to go back to the timer. Click Next ▸ on the round counter, hit Reset, then scatter the manna again. New target.
Isaiah 41:10.
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand."
Read it together → then we'll play the build game
Click any word to toggle it. Click "Hide" to challenge them.
God provides.
We trust him.
Don't grumble. Don't argue. He gave manna every day for 40 years — he'll take care of you, too.
See you next week