"THE TREE" Exodus 15:25 I. Introduction. A. The journey from Egypt. 1. Crossed Red Sea:happiness abounded: Exodus 15:20-21. 2. Three days later: Exodus 15:22-24. 3. Joy is often short lived(sorrow also). 4. In fact--joy one moment, unhappiness the next. 5. Did they not remember crossing the Red Sea? B. The people had a real need: water. 1. They had seen the power of God--but they were early on their journey--needed more lessons on faith. 2. The multitude "murmured." a. Why not request? b. Why not hunt for water? II. Body. A. Moses knew what to do: 1. "He cried unto Jehovah": Exodus 15:25. 2. Faith in Lord: knew Lord had a way to sweeten the waters. 3. The Lord had cared for Moses all of his life(recount). 4. The people murmured: Moses acted! "Learn to pray/not grumble." 5. It pays to pray. a. In trouble: tell the Lord. b. Need help: ask the Lord. c. Need guidance: request of the Lord. d. Need solutions: pray! 6. "The supplication of a righteous man..." James 5:16. 7. And Jehovah provided the solution! B. The Lord showed him a tree: Exodus 15:25. 1. Needed God's help: could not have found otherwise. 2. Even "Christians" do not always realize how the Lord does provide. 3. Every blessing, physical and spiritual, comes from Jehovah. 4. The faith of Paul: Philippians 4:19. 5. The Lord supplies needs--not wants. 6. There was a tree of life in Eden: mankind lost it's fruit. 7. There was a tree on Golgotha: mankind regained access to life. 8. The Israelites would reap the benefit of the tree in the wilderness. 9. The solution was within Moses' grasp. C. Moses "cast it into the waters": Exodus 15:25. 1. He acted after praying. 2. Many pray and stand with their hands open for the Lord to fill them up with blessings. 3. Note and comment: James 4:3. 4. Moses prayed for a means to help others. 5. The Lord provided the means--Moses was the one who would apply the remedy. 6. Stopping short of action and compliance is a defeat! 7. Did Moses have to cast the tree into the water? 8. Do I have to be at the assembly, partake of Lord's Supper, give of my means, lead a righteous life, etc., etc.? 9. Did Jesus have to die? D. "The waters were made sweet": Exodus 15:25. 1. It took prayer, action and "a tree." 2. Suppose God could have sweetened without all of this? a. No doubt--but mankind needed involvement. b. Could God save everyone without obedience? 3. What was of no use became useful. a. Same of man upon obedience. b. No life is full--no life is complete--without the Lord. 4. Becomes an opportunity to emphasize: Exodus 15:25b-26. 5. The next need is met: Exodus 15:27. III. Conclusion. A. There is a tree of life for all: Jesus was lifted up to bring the healing. B. Jesus said: John 15:5. C. Hence: Revelation 22:14.