Good Morning.
And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. (Exodus 15:24-25)
According to some commentators, there are certain shrubs that can allegedly absorb salt and other impurities from water that would make it suitable for drinking. Apparently God led Moses to such a tree which when cast into the briny water, it became sweet. There is also the belief that this particular incident was strictly a miraculous event. In other words, it was a tree that provided sustenance for their life. Likewise for us, it was what Messiah accomplished on the tree that provides for our eternal life.
In that vein, this particular event reminds us of a very important biblical concept. As followers of Messiah, there are certain expectations where our conduct is concerned. Specifically, we are expected to produce sweet water and not bitter and especially when it comes to how we use our mouth. As the writer James said:
“With it (our mouth), we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (James 3:9-11)
Obviously, this behavior is contrary to what the Messiah has taught us. He gave us the example that we are to follow, which is to do what is right and pleasing to Father. He sacrificed His all on our behalf, demonstrated by what He accomplished on the Tree. If He abides in us, His Presence will absorb the bitterness that has resulted from our past. However, we must allow Him to do the work in us and not resist. May it be that we all come to the place where only life and blessing proceed from our mouths that, in every way, we please Him with our words and deeds.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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