The Lodestar

Read: Exodus 15:15—27.

For three arduous days, they roamed the desolate wilderness of Shur, their parched tongues yearning for a drop of water. Finally, their desperate search led them to a bitter and undrinkable source. The euphoria of their miraculous escape from the Red Sea, where the waves swallowed their enemies, had faded, replaced by discontent and murmurs of complaint against Moses.

As Moses cried to the Lord for help, the Lord showed him a log that turned the bitter water into sweet water, making everyone happy.

This first miracle on their journey through the wilderness was only an object lesson to teach them that the Lord can turn every bitter experience into a memorable, sweet experience.

This was a lesson in physical healing and a profound revelation of God's comprehensive healing power. In the Old Testament, the word for healing encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. When God declares, "I am the LORD, your healer," He affirms His commitment to the total well-being of His people.

After this episode of Marah (bitterness), they moved on to find plenty of food and water at Elim (Exod 15:27) and the provision of Manna for the remaining forty years (Exod 16:35). God not only turned their adversities to their advantage but also led them on to plenty.

Every adversity is God's opportunity to prove his power and care for us. Although there may be bitter situations, we must believe that the Lord will show us the path that turns bitter to sweet.

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