January 11th

January 11th -- Exodus 15:22-27 and 17:1-7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2015:22-27&version=NLT) and (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2017:1-7&version=NLT) respectively.

Bitter water at Marah and Water from the rock.

So while the Israelites are travelling away from the Red Sea, they end up in a desert.  They went days without water, and when they finally found an oasis. The water, though, was too bitter to drink. This is why it is called "Marah" which means "bitter". The people all go ahead and get mad at Moses, who cries out to God for some help. God tells him to put a piece of wood in the water, and when Moses does, it becomes drinkable. God then gives them a decree to test their faith, saying "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you." The Israelites leave Marah only two find the oasis of Elim, with lots of trees and springs, so they camp there.

So later on on their journey the people again start complaining about not having water to drink. Moses asks them why they are testing God, but they only become more angry with him. Moses then asks God what to do. God tells him to go out with some of the elders of Israel to the rock at Mt Sinai. When they get there, Moses is to use his staff and hit the rock. The rock will split open and pour water, so the people will be able to drink. This place was named "Massah", meaning "test", becayse the people tested the Lord.

I find these stories cool and interesting. Or perhaps it is only the lack of faith the Israelites still harbor that astounds me. I don't see how they still doubt God after everything He has done for them. I know it would be a rough time, but after plagues, parting a sea, and cleaning water with a piece of wood, among other miracles, I'd be pretty confident God would pull through like He promised.

SO, that's all. God bless!