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Bitter

A place called Marah. “Bitter.”

Men, women, and children trudge through wilderness. After Egypt. After walking between walls of sea. After escaping the enemy.

But now. On the other side. There’s no water anywhere.

Until they reach Marah.

And they find it so. The water, that is. 

Bitter.

Wilderness. Image by Brandon Hoogenboom on Unsplash.

Bitter

“Marah…. Marah…. Marah….” 

The word is repeated in this passage. Magnifying the state of things. 

Bitter water. Bitter people.

And Moses cries out to the Lord.

This is the only way. In long walks through wilderness. Where there is no water. When we find ourselves trying to quench thirst with bitterness.

Cry out to the Lord.

Name of God

What happens next in this story is curious. They aren’t sent somewhere else to find another water source.

No, the Lord shows Moses a tree. Moses throws it into the water.

And now the thirsty can be filled. The bitter is healed. Made drinkable. 

Hydrating the multitude.

And revealing another name of God to His chosen people.

“I am the Lord who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26)

Healing

Generations later, the people of Israel see the Lord who heals. Face to face. 

Many experience the touch of His hand. Hear the words from His mouth. 

Forgiving. Restoring. Healing. 

And one day. A woman, long wandering in a dry and broken wilderness, meets Him.

Marah transformed

She hears about living water. From a well that never runs dry. 

And her Marah is transformed by the Savior of the world. He’s the One and Only Way.

And His death on a tree, burial, and resurrection offers eternal, abundant life. Heart-healing salvation. 

To all who will believe.

What about you?

Have you cried out to God in the wilderness? How did He meet you in your Marah?

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Living waterCup of waterWilderness God hearsKeep singing Missing beautyWells along the way – 

Exodus 15:22-26John 4

2 replies on “Bitter”

I listened to the story of the woman at the well this weekend. Her carefully crafted guard melted before His all-knowing words. She forgot her jar! She forgot avoiding people who looked down on her!
Because of her testimony, Jesus spent 2 days in that village and many others came to faith. I’m reminded to share my experience with Him without being afraid or guarding my heart because of previous disappointments or bitterness.

I would love to hear from you!

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