KINGDOM PASSAGE DAY THIRTY: Scripture Reading: Exodus 15:20-27 Focus Verses: Exodus 15:22 & 23 Sometimes “Bitter” is “Better” Celebrations like the one described in yesterday’s verses, and the one described in verses 19–21 of today’s reading, were common after a victory in battle. (See 1 Samuel 18:6 and 2 Samuel 1: 18-27.) But just three days after lifting up songs of praise to God, Israel met with its first test after reaching the safe side of the Red Sea. For three days they travelled “in the wilderness without water.” When they did reach water, they found that they could not drink it because it was “bitter.” The name for the place where this first water was found was Marah. It is a word that means “bitter.” Ruth, when in the most desperate times of her life, asked to be called by this name (Ruth 1:20). When the people of Israel saw that there was no water suitable for drinking, they became angry and began to complain against Moses. In response, Moses began to cry out to the LORD! God showed Moses a “tree” that, when thrown into the bitter waters, made the water sweet. It was during this first, bitter trial early in Israel’s march to the Promised Land that God made a sweet provision for Israel and a sweet promise to them. He promised His divine protection against all of the diseases that they had earlier seen come upon the Egyptians (verse 26). Soon the people were camped at Elim “where there were 12 wells of water” and 70 trees to provide plenty of shelter and shade. Prayer Emphasis: •Remain faithful to God through the tougher times of life. Realize that sometimes the bitter is actually better for us if it leads us to a new level of faith in God. Know that God is always acting in your best interest. Claim the promise of Romans 8:28 today and recall situations in the past where God has used trials to make you stronger.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:24:38 +0000
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