Exodus 15:23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.
So Israel cross the Red Sea on dry ground, and paraded into the promised land without a worry or problem.........not exactly. Three days later, they found themselves thirsty with no water. Would God lead them into the wilderness to die there? It was a question that they would ask many times over the next several years. When they came upon the waters of Marah, everyone was excited initially, until they discovered that the water there was bitter. The name Marah actually means "bitter". This must have been worse than having no water at all, to have water that you couldn't drink. What was Gods answer to the bitter water? A tree. When the tree was placed in the bitter water, the waters became sweet. This life that we live can definitely have its bitter moments. People look for joy and peace in the world around them, but nothing satisfies, and bitterness is everywhere. What is God's cure for bitterness today? It's still a tree. The cross of Jesus Christ has made the waters of life sweet again for those who believe in His finished work on that tree. Israel had a long journey ahead of them, and we do too, but at every obstacle and every hurdle, God will show us, like He did them, that He will provide everything that we need.
So Israel cross the Red Sea on dry ground, and paraded into the promised land without a worry or problem.........not exactly. Three days later, they found themselves thirsty with no water. Would God lead them into the wilderness to die there? It was a question that they would ask many times over the next several years. When they came upon the waters of Marah, everyone was excited initially, until they discovered that the water there was bitter. The name Marah actually means "bitter". This must have been worse than having no water at all, to have water that you couldn't drink. What was Gods answer to the bitter water? A tree. When the tree was placed in the bitter water, the waters became sweet. This life that we live can definitely have its bitter moments. People look for joy and peace in the world around them, but nothing satisfies, and bitterness is everywhere. What is God's cure for bitterness today? It's still a tree. The cross of Jesus Christ has made the waters of life sweet again for those who believe in His finished work on that tree. Israel had a long journey ahead of them, and we do too, but at every obstacle and every hurdle, God will show us, like He did them, that He will provide everything that we need.
"He may not come when you want Him, but He'll be there right on time. He's an on-time God, oh yes He is!" I'm sure the Israelites were begging for water more and more every few minutes. God didn't just bring them to bitter water for no reason. He wanted to show out, again. God wanted the people too KNOW they were in good hands and to stop doubting and questioning Him. Like He does 100% of the time, He showed up and showed out; right on time. It sure is a good feeling to know that you can't lose, even when it seems like it's impossible to win! God is such and incredibly good God.
ReplyDeleteJust after God’s special provision of escape and victory the Israelites were tested. They marched for three days in the wilderness before finding water, but it was bitter.Instead of trusting God to supply the need, the people murmured against Moses. Moses sought God’s face in prayer and was immediately shown what to do to make the waters sweet. Before moving on, God promised Israel a long-range exemption from the diseases of Egypt, conditioned upon the people’s continued obedience. There is a lesson to be learned here: it is better to pray rather than complain.....Verse 27, THEN they came to Elim where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees. After the trial came THEIR REST at Elim. (KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (Ex 15:22-27). God always knows what He is doing and His leadership is always best even when we think it seems wrong. No matter how bitter life seems, their is always an Elim around the corner.
ReplyDeleteI thought it interesting that God's solution was a tree! This solution is still good today. Jesus is the TREE OF LIFE that transforms bitterness into joy, water into wine, a sinner into a saint! Anybody hungry?
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