Exodus 15: 22-27
22 Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert
of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23
When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter.
(That is why the place is called Marah.) 24 So the people grumbled against
Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and
the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water
became fit to drink. There the LORD issued a ruling and instruction for them
and put them to the test. 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your
God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and
keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on
the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.” 27 Then they came to Elim,
where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there
near the water.
Title: Obedience
draws Healing
Message: Physical
scarcity is most often than not the root of our doubts on Divine Providence and disobedience to God's commands. Insufficiencies
about our basic needs draw out our complaints to God especially when we are
physically tired. We tend to forget that God knows our needs and that He provides.
Three days of traveling without drinking drew out complaints from the
Israelites. Physical fatigue overcame them and they had to quench their thirst.
Thus, God led Moses to a piece of wood that purified the undrinkable water and
everyone drank. Then, they were brought to a place where 12 springs for 12
tribes (of Jacob) and palm trees that would provide them shelter were located.
Promise to Claim: God promised
healing to those who will obey Him. The diseases brought about by plagues which
were experienced by the unrepentant Egyptians will not be undergone by those who
will carefully listen to, understand and follow His instructions. God vowed
restoration in every aspect of one’s life so long as obedience is observed.
Command to Obey: Obedience
is a must to every Christian. Let us “listen carefully to the LORD” and “do
what is right in His eyes”. Let us “pay attention to His commands and keep all
his decrees” for us to experience His blessing of healing and joy of living
(verse 26).
Warning to Heed: Not
listening to God’s voice leads us to ignorance of His commandments and
misunderstanding of His messages, thus making us commit sin. Rebelliousness and disobedience will bring us to
the same difficulties and sufferings that we have been trying to avoid all our
lives.
Application: I will
obey God and manifest obedience in my daily life. I will seek God first every day, carefully read
the Scripture, meditate on His word, listen to His voice in my prayers, and do
what He dictates that I may experience the kind of healing that He promised.
Also, that I may influence my children and my fellows.
