Exodus 15:22-25
22Then Moses led 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. 23When they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet.
It wasn’t long ago that the Hebrews were trapped on a beach. The Egyptian warriors were racing towards them. They were terrified. God does the unthinkable and parts the sea. As they were going through, they got scared again, as their enemy pursued them. God rescues them again by allowing the sea to engulf the pursuers. It says that they believed after seeing this. They learned that God will be their warrior.
Let’s pause and look at the mindset of the nation. They were an enslaved people who were traumatized by Egypt’s power and brutality. They learned to live as a dominated, second class people. God steps in and humiliates the bully nation and frees them. It’s like a weak person who is in an unhealthy, abusive relationship. They are unable to leave. Now they are free, but were used being cared for, even if it was done in a dehumanizing way. They have to learn to be dependent on God. It will take them a while to respond in a healthy fashion.
That brings us up to date with today’s story. They are journeying towards the water hole. After three days, they arrive. They are thirsty, as are the animals. Upon arrival, they learn that the water isn’t safe to drink. They went to Moses in a panic and said, “what shall we drink?”
They no longer had a human enemy. Their challenge was provisions: food, water and protection from the elements. This situation lets them see that God will help them with their personal needs, not just as a deliverer. The Hebrews were learning to trust in God in all areas.
This provides a great example for us. God wants to help us deal with difficult people (our defender). However, he wants to help with our personal needs, also (our provider). God has revealed Himself in many ways to His people. He has also given Himself many names. We can look at any need we’ve got; there is an aspect of God’s nature that meets it. Just as the Hebrews were wounded by illtreatment, so we have plenty of scars and deficiets. God wants to heal us there.
Lord, thank You for Your patience with us. Thank You that You want to heal us in all areas.
This provides a great example for us. God wants to help us deal with difficult people (our defender). However, he wants to help with our personal needs, also (our provider). God has revealed Himself in many ways to His people. He has also given Himself many names. We can look at any need we’ve got; there is an aspect of God’s nature that meets it. Just as the Hebrews were wounded by illtreatment, so we have plenty of scars and deficiets. God wants to heal us there.
Lord, thank You for Your patience with us. Thank You that You want to heal us in all areas.