August 17 - What Shall We Drink?

Exodus 15:22-24
“So Moses brought 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. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?”
 
Just after the children of Israel had experienced the Red Sea miracle, they journeyed three days through the wilderness of Shur where they were unable to find water. After days of traveling they finally found water in Marah. The water must have looked so tasty and refreshing; yet, they when they drank of the waters there because they were bitter. The water’s appeal was deceiving.
 
How often in our lives do we have a mountain top experience and pull back from the Water of the Word of God only to become thirsty days later? Sometimes we try to quench our thirst with something other than the Word only to be left disappointed. The devil has a way of making something look so appealing and refreshing, yet when we partake of whatever he has laid in front of us we only end up with a bitter taste in our mouth.
 
After tasting the bitter waters, the flesh of the people won out as they murmured about their situation.
Exodus 15:24
“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?”
 
Just three days prior, these same people walked up to the Red Sea with nowhere to turn. God showed Moses just what to do, and after he obeyed the Lord’s commands the unthinkable happened. What was once an uncrossable sea became standing walls of water with a dry path in between. Did they forget the miracle they had seen just days before?
 
Can you not imagine the tone of the voices? Too often the murmuring voices of those around us take our attention off of our ultimate goal and purpose in the work of the Lord. Why are people so comfortable in murmuring about the ministry? Often those who complain the loudest and murmur the most are those that contribute the least. And sometimes there are those who are willing to serve; yet while doing so all they do is complain.
 
Philippians 2:14
“Do all things without murmurings or disputings:”
 
After hearing the people’s complaints, Moses sought the Lord for help, and the Lord answered by showing him the solution to the situation.
Exodus 15:25
“And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet…”
 
May we follow Moses’ example when we hear murmurings or if we ourselves begin to murmur. Ask the Lord for help in dealing with the situation. He will provide just as He provided for Moses and the children of Israel.
 
Choose to drink from the Water of the Word of Life today.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Job 13-14  |  II Peter 2  |  Psalm 18