Exodus 15:22-27 (ESV)
Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.” Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water.
Devotional Meditation
Consider all the Israelites had just witnessed. And yet, it only took three days of thirst compounded with the bitter disappointment of undrinkable water to bring them to the point of despair. Just look at how quickly their attitude about water had changed. Three days ago, they celebrated as Yahweh used water to destroy their enemies and make them a redeemed people. Now, the water they find only reminds them of their intensifying thirst. They’ve gone from singing praises to singing the blues.
The further away we get from Easter, the less of a miracle it can seem. Christ’s total victory over sin, death, and the grave can very quickly be forgotten when we go a few days journey beyond Easter and the frustrations, trials, and headaches of this life start to pile up again. Soon, our everyday circumstances begin to taste bitter. The reality of the resurrection fades into a distant memory. We wonder what there ever was to feel joyful about.
Yahweh doesn’t abandon his faithless, complaining people. Instead, he reminds them anew that he can make even bitter water sweet. He is not only their God who is present with his people to redeem, but here he shows them that he is the God who is present with his people to heal. The Red Sea was not a temporary triumph, but the beginning of a new life lived under a new King--a King whose desire is not to kill them with thirst, but to give them life even from the pools of water that taste bitter.
Christian, you are baptized. You have been buried into Christ’s death, raised to walk in the newness of his resurrection life. You have entered a new life under a new King. Easter was not a temporary triumph. Your King has bound himself to you--forever. To guide you. Protect you. And heal you. Remember this when the waters around you begin to taste bitter. Remember this when your thirst mounts. Remember this when all your heart wants to do is complain. Listen again to the promises--the Word and the Sacraments. Let them fill your ears, your hands, your mouth. Make the sign of the cross. Confess the Creed. Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Through your bitter tears, confess your sins, and cast them upon the tree of Christ’s cross where they are turned into a fountain of forgiveness. Remember who and whose you are. You are baptized. You are redeemed. You are healed. The sweet waters of Easter will be found wherever you go.
Image Description (AI Prompt)
In a minimalist and abstract expressionist style, depict a scene featuring a cross-like branch floating in a pool of water. The composition should focus on the symbolic representation of the branch, using simple lines or shapes to convey its form. The water should be suggested through a restrained color palette of blues and subtle textures, evoking a sense of serenity and depth. The artwork should aim to capture the contemplative and spiritual significance of the scene, emphasizing the tranquility of the water and the symbolic presence of the cross-like branch. This scene should invoke a meditative quality, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of peace, reflection, and spirituality.