The Desert of Bitterness ~ MULTIPLICATION
The sea waters parted for Israel but didn't for Egypt.#
Israel lived. Egypt drowned. (See yesterday's SoulSnack - The Desert of Bitterness ~ RESCUE)
When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, ‘What are we to drink?’ (Exodus 15:23-24)
Sandy desert blasts, eyes full of dust and mouths as dry as grit. In just three days of new privations this new-born, miracle-living, God-following nation of Israel again believed ill of their rescuer.
Israel picked lemons instead of grapes. They chose for bitter not better.
Yet to this day the Israelites are not alone, for:
it is mankind's common malaise to drop blessings so as to lift the burdens.
When you start in the desert and enjoy God's rescue, BEWARE - bitterness can be quickly met. A thirsty nation was confronted by bitter waters. Marah could not be drunk. That is the nature of bitterness, it is not be swallowed. (But still we do!)
Life's changes can throw searing sand at our face. They parch our throats. When the new doesn't deliver as hoped for, the pools of bitterness are found.
Bitterness is hurtful. It has no ability to satisfy, simply erode. Only sweetness is tasteful.
If resentment rots relationships, bitterness buries them.
SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE ~ 3
- Bitterness multiplies grumbling. Its frequency betrays the depth.
Today's Soul Snippet:
Longevity of conversion waters the complacency of faith.
# Read the Introduction to The Desert of Bitterness.
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