BITTER WATER TO SWEET WATER
Exo 15:22-27 ESV - 22 Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. 24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" 25 And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer." 27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
AFTER THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA...
1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, "I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. ...
18 The LORD will reign forever and ever." ...
24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"
think about when was the last time you grumbled.
can you name some root reasons why people grumble?
Unmet Expectations: When our expectations are not fulfilled, we may feel disappointed, frustrated, or even angry with God. We may question why things didn't go as we hoped or expected, leading to grumbling and complaining.
Suffering and Pain: When facing intense suffering, pain, or hardship, it can be challenging to understand why God allows such experiences. In times of deep anguish, people may express their grievances and question God's presence or care.
Loss and Grief: The loss of loved ones, relationships, health, or other significant aspects of life can lead to feelings of grief and bitterness. During these times, individuals may grumble against God, questioning why such loss has occurred.
Perceived Injustice: Observing or experiencing injustice in the world can cause individuals to question God's fairness and goodness. The presence of suffering, inequality, or evil may lead to grumbling and a sense of discontentment with God's plan.
Doubt and Spiritual Struggles: Internal struggles with faith, doubt, and questioning aspects of one's beliefs can result in grumbling against God. Uncertainty or confusion about God's actions or the perceived lack of answers to profound questions may lead to expressions of frustration.
Comparison and Envy: Comparing our own circumstances to others and feeling envious of their apparent blessings can breed discontentment and grumbling. This may involve questioning why God seems to bless some while seemingly neglecting others.
Feeling Abandoned or Alone: During times of isolation or when experiencing a sense of abandonment, individuals may grumble against God, wondering why they feel detached or unheard in their prayers or pleas for help.
THERE IS A REASON WHY THEY GRUMBLED: DEHYDRATION
Exo 15:22-23 ESV - 22 Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah.
Day 3: Severe Dehydration and Organ Failure
If you reach the third day without water, the situation becomes critical. Severe dehydration sets in, and your body struggles to function properly. Without adequate hydration, your organs begin to suffer. Kidney function is significantly impaired, which can lead to a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body. You may experience extreme weakness, disorientation, inability to urinate, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and a rapid and weak pulse.
WHY were they allowed to be in this situation??
why was the water bitter??
PRIMARY REASONS WHY MARAH'S WATER WAS BITTER: HIGH MINERAL CONTENT. USUALLY DUE TO MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM AND IRON.
Magnesium help reduce muscle cramps and support muscle and nerve function
Calcium and potassium can help to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating and support proper muscle and nerve function.
[Exo 15:24-27 ESV] 24 And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" 25 And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer." 27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
MAJOR SPORTS DRINKS (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium)
BUT why did God say He is the LORD, your healer when no one is sick? Why this name? It would be fitting that God is the Gatorade Provider
When you are dehydrated, it brings out irritability and confusion, headaches.
When life gets uncomfortable, pay attention to areas of irritability, confusion, and the headaches
For the Israelites in the desert, the extreme dehydration may have brought deeper issues to the surface:
Doubt: Was my decision correct to leave Egypt?
Physical and emotional abuse: The Israelites were subjected to forced labor, which involved harsh working conditions, long hours, and physical abuse.
Loss of identity: During their time in Egypt, the Israelites were forced to adopt Egyptian customs and practices, which may have caused a loss of their own cultural identity.
Separation from family: Families were often separated as a result of forced labor, with parents and children torn apart and sent to different work sites. This separation can cause lasting emotional trauma and can affect attachment and bonding.
Systemic oppression: The Israelites were a minority group in Egypt, and their oppression was systemic and institutionalized. The injustice and inequality of this system can cause feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Fear and anxiety: The Israelites lived in a state of constant fear, not only for their physical safety but also for their spiritual well-being. The fear of divine retribution or punishment was a big mental block in their minds.
Sometimes, the reflection from the bitter waters is where see ourselves better.
We realize that there are areas of illness and we need healing
There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, 26 saying, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer."
to heal physical ailments
to heal individual distress
to repair, to make whole, complete
Jehovah Rapha wants to restore his people wholly, BUT THESE are HIS COMMANDS AND CONDITIONS which WILL NEVER BE FULFILLED BY THE ISRAELITES.
[1Th 5:23-24 ESV] 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
BACK TO JEHOVAH RAPHA - THE HEALER
HEALING = PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SPIRITUAL HEALING
Pain is inextricably linked to emotions. In fact, physical pain and emotional pain exist on almost the same circuitry of the nervous system, with common brain systems involved.
For this reason, it’s not surprising that the presence of chronic pain is often associated with emotional changes and affects us in various ways:
quality of life and social interaction
FOCUS ON READING THE WORD AND PRAYER
to heal physical ailments
to heal individual distress
to repair, to make whole, complete
God says He is the our healer.
My words bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. (Proverbs 4:22 NLT)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed. (Luke 4:18)
Matthew 9:35: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness."
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, (Psalms 103:2-3 NKJV)
Isaiah 53:4-5: "Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed."
BY DEFAULT, WE are encouraged to first ASK JEHOVAH FOR HEALING in exercise of our faith; without disclaimers.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
ESV (English Standard Version):
"But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, 'Do not fear, only believe.'"
NIV (New International Version):
"Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, 'Don't be afraid; just believe.'"
TPT (The Passion Translation):
"But Jesus refused to listen to what they were told and said to the Jewish official, 'Don’t yield to fear. All you need to do is to keep on believing.'"