The Desert of Bitterness ~ RESCUE
There are many rich fields for bitterness. Harsh labor is but one fertile soil. (Read the series Introduction to The Desert of Bitterness.)
The Lord's soon-to-be nation (Israel) had slipped into begging prayer. Suffering does that.
Egypt was a nation crowning at the birth of a mightier one. But it was already a cruel parent.
At first Egypt had been a haven, a kitchen for a hungry Abraham and his starving family. Refuge morphed into travail during their 430 year stay.
The Egyptians made their lives bitter with harsh labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor, the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly. (Exodus 1:14)
God's people raised heaven's roof in their distress. They ached for release.
The great 'I AM' heard their prayers.
The Lord said (to Moses), ‘I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.' (Exodus 3:7)
God soon abolished slavery. His new nation safely passed though a towering and split Red Sea to the desert of Sinai.
When the pursuing Egyptian army appeared, the Red Sea's dry canyon disappeared.
Heaven then enjoyed a mighty celebration from earth's newest nation. The Israelites were very happy. (See Exodus 15:1-21). But, this joy quickly faded into yesterday.
A mere three days into their Sinai rescue, grumbling ill-will returned. The bitter (undrinkable) waters of Marah confronted their inner thirsts. (See Exodus 15:22-27)
The Israelites had:
- learned complaining in Egypt,
- met the Red Sea complaining, and then
- returned to complaining on Sinai's safe desert.
SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE ~ 2
- After the cheers, old ways do return. It is far easier to be rescued from Egypt than it is to be rescued from me.
Today's Soul Snippet:
Love is perfected when I deliver my desires to death.
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