Can you imagine being so thirsty, so parched, so dry-mouthed that all you could think of was finding water to drink? That's the way the Israelites were after they witnessed and experienced the miracle of the Red Sea. But at this point, they had been without water for 3 days. When they finally found some at a place called Marah, they were terribly disappointed because it was too bitter to drink. Oddly enough, God showed Moses a piece of wood and told him to throw it into the bitter water and, sure enough, it became sweet. Who knew that a tree could turn bitter water sweet?
God used another tree to turn the bitterness of sin into sweet salvation. Our Lord Jesus bore our sins on a tree so that we could be healed of our bitterness. (I Peter 2:24). How much precious time do we spend drinking in the bitter water of sin, selfishness, self-pity, despair, hopelessness? Wouldn't it be much better and more satisfying to drink sweet water that has been made sweet by the sacrifice of Jesus. He died so that we could do just that.
God introduced himself as Jehovah-Rapha (the healer) at the bitter water the Israelites encountered that day. He wasn't just taking care of their physical need for sweet water, he was taking care of their spiritual need for sweet water as well; by healing them of their bitterness. After they drank the sweet water, they left Marah and camped at a place called Elim where there was an abundance of springs and palm trees for their rest and enjoyment. If we let Him, God will always turn our Marah into Elim.
After we are healed of the Marah of our life, we will find peace at Elim. It is only here that we will be able to be truly used by God to further His Kingdom by maximizing our spiritual gifts and callings. First Marah, then Elim. First Friday, but Sunday is coming. What's keeping you from finding Elim?
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