Our Only Hope In The Wilderness — John Piper

John Piper describes four scenes in the wilderness of Exodus 17 that are brimming with implications for our own lives:

1. God brought his people to a waterless place in the wilderness on purpose. God commands the movement of our lives—we don't go into the wilderness by accident.
2. The Israelites didn't trust God's saving purposes but instead despised God. God's patience will run out with those who despise instead of trust him.
3. God answers the people with water and, more importantly, with his life-giving presence. What people need more than water is God’s presence, even today.
4. Moses memorializes the failure of the Israelites. God intends for this failure to be seen in light of the gift—God himself. “In your wilderness,” Piper says, “don’t be like them. Do not harden your hearts. Trust him.”

Piper closes by referencing how God passed over the sins of the people in the Old Testament by punishing those sins through the cross of Christ 1,400 years later. Piper says, “Every undeserved blessing you will ever taste now and forever is owing to the death of Jesus.”

Though we may not understand all the reasons why God chooses to bring us into the wilderness, we can trust his character, his saving power, and his good purposes. In the wilderness, may we thirst for more than water—finding all we need in Jesus.

@desiringGod

[brucesmith]

I lost my wife last week. A friend sent me the link to this message. It was such a comfort and encouragement at this time in my wilderness.

[mcychang]

I am going trough the darkest time after losing my son. This message brought comfort and faith . Thank you Pastor John Piper.

[adamusra]

I can’t stop weeping. Only God knew how precisely this targets my need right now. I am in a virtual wilderness of Sin and have been exhausted by the intensity of the battle against the idea that God is malevolent. Oh, He is so merciful to bring me to this message today. 😭

[chahali-iiawc-wrfw]

Am so grateful for his ministry, 1 and a half year ago God led me to hear the Gospel message in brother John's channel, his conference about " when I don't desire God" I got saved, and God has changed me to a completely different person, freed me from porn masturbation addiction, homosexuality, idolatry, pride, lust, envy, emptiness, from being a slave of make up, gave me courage, love, hope, freed me from fear of death. And now I hope one day I will be faithfully preaching and serving God too. Praise God, God bless you and your family, give you good health and strength.

[kingdomrunt]

_When your brokenness & sorrow is so deep and you can only repent for who you are...thats me. Maranatha_

[beliciaat]

One of the most beautiful sermons that I have ever heard. Thank you for this sermon Pastor John, may God continue to bless your ministry.

[parkrow]

The Rock standing on the rock...what a picture! Offering us Living Water that will keep our soul from ever thirsting again.

[ashlyliwu]

I love to listen to your sermon. I'm Moved to tears everytime I listen to your sermon. God Almighty bless you with long life

[mariyahgabb]

My Lord and My God forgive me for not trusting You enough 😢

Thank You for Your message through John Piper, You opened my eyes

[HelpmeLordJesus]

I have listened to this message about 5-7 times since feb 2023. Going through a horrible season in my life. Something I did not ask for. And every time i listen to this message I get something new that I needed right then. Thank you Jesus.

[wilm]

Several years ago, I hit such a low point that I considered walking away from God. I was a seminary grad who had long been passionate about serving God in ministry, but my life took such a dive that I saw no point in my life, no point in continuing in church, no point in even praying anymore. God did not let me walk away. I continued to struggle for years. In some ways my life has improved, and in some ways I am still in the desert. But last July God reminded me very strongly what it means to be forgiven of my sins and has restored my passion for Him and my trust in Him, maybe more than before.

[christipaz]

Pastor John Piper, thank you for your Ministry, Devotion and joyful heart for The Sovereign Father and The Lord Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit :) ROMANS 14:11 For it is Written, "AS I Live, Says The Lord, Every Knee Shall Bow To ME, And Every Tongue Shall Confess TO GOD." I Say Truly Hallelujah, Hallelujah, AMEN

[Liz-vmxq]

“God led His people to a camp site with no water” !!! Wow. Amen! God is a good, good God, a great, great God! He led them there to show them so many things. Like He still does for me and you.✝️🙏❤️🙌

[eileendunkley]

Brought tears to my eyes! Thank you Jesus. Thanks for your messenger. To YOU be the glory !

[nbjtv]

What a word, what a word, what a word ! God bless you man of God, God bless you indeed, the Holy Spirit for sure lead me to this timidly word

[Andrea-jmfy]

Thank you Heavenly Father for your great love, provision and mercy.

[eileendunkley]

The patience of our Awesome God ! What a a sermon ! Thank you Pastor John! I love to listen to your sermons. You preach with such passion. Truly a gift from God !

[JeffreyGodsey]

What a sermon, so grateful God gives us men like you, john Piper!

[nataliejetter]

The Old and New Testament is the Gospel! Hallelujah! Jesus is the propitiation for all sin for all time!

[yzmaronmione]

Thank you God for leading me to encounter this message today.