Susan LaffertyA 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.
Favorite flavors and dishes multiply in the cross-cultural life. Leading to this, that, or the other taste of home.
Our grocery cart is often a wild mix. With differing ingredients for the week’s menus.
One day, I buy okra and chickpeas for Indian curry. Snow peas, lemongrass and baby bok choy for a Chinese stir-fry dish. And Japanese mochi. An afternoon snack or dessert.
Each cuisine serves up memories as well.
Joshua receives the exhortation. “Be strong and courageous.” Hearing it loud and clear. Multiple times.
From the Lord. And from the people. (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18)
He’s stepping into leadership after one of the greatest leaders of all time. Moses.
Certainly not for the faint of heart, this. Leading the multitudes. And entering the Promised Land.
Then. At the end of his life. He delivers the exhortation.
