Marah to Elim

Exodus 15: 22-27

When God brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea by Moses they went through the wilderness and traveled through Shur for three days without any water.  They came to a place where there was water but the water was bitter.  They named this place Marah because of the bitter water. They began to murmur and complain against Moses. Moses cried out to God and He showed Him a tree to make the bitter water sweet. It was here God established a healing covenant with the children of Israel. He promised to keep them from disease. "I am the Lord that healeth thee."

We oftentimes criticize them for murmuring against God at Marah.  When we consider how they had come out of the Red Sea with such a great deliverance we think their faith should not have been weak. We don't stop to consider what a tremendous trial slavery was.  It took the great miracle of parting the waters of the Red Sea because the trial of slavery was so great. Consider ourselves who have been in difficult situations it how it takes a while to bounce back--to build up our faith.

They went three days without water in the wilderness.  This shows God was on their side because they could've fainted in the wilderness.  When we think of the history of slavery in the United States and how they escaped through the swamps and wilderness.  It's amazing the strength God will give you when you're trying to escape from something. 

When they finally found some water it was bitter.  God has to show Himself to them continuously in order for their faith to be increased.  Jude tells us to build up our most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost.  These people came out of bondage out of suffering.  Sometimes when you're suffering you don't have strength enough to pray.  My mother used to say "send up your timber" and when you get in a place where you can't pray you're already prayed up.  Nowadays they call it paying it forward. 

God gives Moses the answer.  Sometimes the answer seems foolish you just have to trust God.  At this place God makes an healing covenant with them.  While you're waiting on the answer don't forget to ask God for understanding of what He's trying to show you.  And listen for His promises; because out of the bitter comes the sweet.

After they left Marah God took them to a place called Elim.  It was what we would call today a resort.  It had twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees. They were able to rest. 

What an experience to rest in the Lord.  Jesus said "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" in St. Matthew 11: 28. We know he told the woman at the well in St. John 4 that he could give her water that she would never thirst again and in St. John 7 he said it would be like rivers of living water flowing out of our bellies.  He told the disciples in St. Matthew 28 and in Acts 1 it was the power from upon high.  He even said it was the gift of God and in St. John 14 He said it was the Comforter.  I'm talking about the Holy Ghost.  Peter said in Acts 3:19 to repent, be converted, and have your sins blotted out to receive the times of refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord.

What an experience to be in His presence and to receiving a refreshing.  To wade in the water which is the Holy Ghost to rest on the cool breeze of the Holy Ghost.  Jesus came unto the disciples after he was risen and breathed the breath of life on them.  When you have been through the wilderness only to find a place of Marah even after the answer comes you need rest.

The cares of the struggle waiting on the answer to come has weighed heavily on your soul you need rest.  Yes, there were times of doubt and times you murmured instead of praying.  You must repent, be converted--you can go from faith to faith so you can be more converted--have your sins blotted out--those who come to God must first believe He is God--and then the times of refreshing will come.  You will find yourself in Elim wading in the water resting against a palm tree--the peace of the Holy Ghost--being refreshed by God.

We used to sing, Wade in the Water. The lyrics said "wade in the water children, wade in the water, God's going to trouble the water". Come let's wade in the water!