BITTER WATER SWEET

Read Exodus 15:22-27

So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.

Exodus 15:25 (NKJV)

 This week’s children’s lesson discussed the Israelites’ first experiences in the desert after their deliverance. Three days after God parted the Red Sea and saved them from the Egyptian Army, they were unhappy with Moses. They complained about his leadership, forgetting God was leading Moses and them (Exodus 13:21-22). Why would God lead the people to an undrinkable and bitter water source? Wasn’t Moses familiar with the land around Egypt? Why didn’t he ask God to change course?

Moses did not know why God had directed them there, but he believed God would provide for His people and reveal His purpose. Moses prayed, and God told him what he should do: cast a tree into the water. With this, the water then became sweet and drinkable. Then God revealed His purpose: “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you” (Verse 26).

In 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13, Paul reminds us of this promise and reminds the early Christians that “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (v. 13). God can turn your bitter experience into sweetness if we remember the promise He made to the Israelites at Marah.

Do as Moses did, pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and believe Christ will care for all our needs. At Marah, Christ reminded us that the only way to make the bitterness sweet is to abide in Him.

Prayer Focus: Obedience

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask for Your Holy Spirit, Your refreshing spring of water. May we abide in Christ and, through Your Holy Spirit, act according to your Commandments. Turn our bitterness sweet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for Today: Abide in Christ 

Contributor: Ms. Nichole Shaw (Florida, United States)

Screen Editor: Mr. Wensley Dias

Editor: Mr. Eliezer D. Rodriguez