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? 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: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, Exodus 15:23-25
Marah means “bitter.” While the wilderness may and will make manifest the weakness of God’s Saints and as well, our failures, this is only to magnify the Power and Mercy of Him Who brought us into the place of testing. Further we must understand, God always has in view our ultimate good. The bitter waters of Marah typify life and its disappointment.
We find here that God tests faith in order to strengthen and enrich it. The test can come at anytime, either before a great victory or after a great victory. Israel journeyed three days in the wilderness and found no water. When water was found, there was an added trial – the water was bitter.
The “bitterness” typified life’s journey. At times, it’s not a pleasant journey. There is only one answer to the episodes of bitterness that comes to every Believer; it is the Cross of Christ. As “bitterness” represented the pitfalls of life, which cannot be escaped, likewise, the “Tree” represents the Cross.
Facing the “bitter waters,” Moses “cried unto the LORD.” That is what every Believer should do. An answer is guaranteed. It is found here in God’s Word.
The Lord told Moses to cut down a “Tree” which was growing nearby. It was to be “cast into the waters.” That being done, “the waters were made sweet”
In this episode, the Lord is telling us that the Cross is the answer to every problem. If the “Tree” would be placed into the vicissitudes of life, we will find that the Lord will turn the bitterness into sweetness. As here enjoined, the answer is the Cross, always the Cross! “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24-25
LET’S PRAY
Heavenly Father, by Your Divine Mercy and Favour connect my heart to Your Word for inspiration and revelation to trust You more in every situation in Jesus Name.
BENEDICTION
Now the Peace of God, the Sanctifying Peace which passes all understanding beyond the pale of human comprehension, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour always. Fountain 😇
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