Dear Family,
Today is Wednesday, April 7, 2021. This is Day 4 of Week 2 in our Counting toward Pentecost. It is our 11th day of Counting.
Exodus 15:22-24 (22) So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. (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. (24) And the people murmured against Moses, saying; What shall we drink?
Looking at the situation the ancient Israelites experienced, we may find ourselves very sympathetic towards them. After three days in the wilderness, their supply of drinking water was gone. It is understandable and acceptable that they were disappointed. What is NOT acceptable is their negative response towards God and Moses. The words of their mouth revealed the state of their heart.
Israel had come out of Egypt, but they brought a lot of Egypt with them in their hearts, attitudes, and behaviors. Israel needed to be cleaned up. It was much easier for God to sweeten the water than it was for Him to sweeten up the bitter attitudes in the hearts of the Israelites. God showed Moses what to do for the water.
Exodus 15:25-26 (25) And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, (26) And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
God wanted the Israelites to enjoy good health, not just good water. He used this experience to reveal something about His greatness.
In the New Testament book of James, we find an interesting passage that has a number of elements similar to those in Exodus 15. James discusses the tongue and compares it to a fountain. He asks if a fountain can send forth both sweet and bitter water? We know from other passages that people speak out of the abundance of their hearts. (see James 3:8-16)
God wants us to speak righteous words of peace and to live without bitterness, strife, or envying. He wants us to be healthy and whole, within and without. The story of Marah demonstrates God’s desires and His ability to do great things for His people. When we are willing to leave the bitter, evil ways of our past Egypt behind, only spiritual health awaits us.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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