From Bitterness To Blessing.

EXODUS 15:22 - 27. AMP

“Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the Wilderness of Shur; they went [a distance of] three days (about thirty-three miles) in the wilderness and found no water. Then they came to Marah, but they could not drink its waters because they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah (bitter). The people [grew discontented and] grumbled at Moses, saying, “What are we going to drink?” Then he cried to the LORD [for help], and the LORD showed him a tree, [a branch of] which he threw into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There the LORD made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen and pay attention to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and listen to His commandments, and keep [foremost in your thoughts and actively obey] all His precepts and statutes, then I will not put on you any of the diseases which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you.” Then the children of Israel came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.

INTRODUCTION:-

A. A company of singing former slaves:

(1) They have been set free from slavery.

(2) Their enemies have perished in the Red Sea.

(3) We should have a similar song.

B. Onward to Canaan:

(1) Moses leads his people into the wilderness.

(2) Our Lord knows the way through the wilderness.

(3) Great lessons in the wilderness journeys.

Body

A. THE BITTER WATERS OF MARAH (vs 23)

1. Three days into the wilderness and out of water:

(a) Containers filled before leaving Egypt exhausted.

(b) Our hearts need replenishing all along the way.

2. There was water at Marah, but it was bitter.

3. We may have bitter experiences in this wilderness:

(a) Israel disappointed; expected all to go well.

(b) We all have trials on the journey(John 16:33).

4. This trial came in the path of God's leading .

B. THE BITTER WORD AGAINST MOSES (vs 24)

1. The people murmured against Moses.

2. Bitter experiences should not make us bitter.

(a) When we become bitter we cannot be blessed.

(b) Bitter people cannot bless others.

3. Saul was bitter towards David

4. The prodigal's brother was bitter about his return.

5. God's word to bitter people.

(a) Husbands should not be bitter(Col 3:19).

(b) Bitterness is earthly, sensual,devilish(James 3:14-16).

(c) Bitterness spoils our witness.(Heb 12:12-15)

C. MOSES AND HIS PLEA (vs24)

1. Moses cried to The Lord.

2. Pray when others criticise you.

3. Moses didn't know what to do, so he prayed.

4.God promises wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

D. GOD AND HIS TREE (vs 25)

1. The Lord showed him a tree.

2. Moses cast the tree into the water.

3.The tree made the water sweet.

(a) The tree had been there all the time.

(b) The tree speaks of the tree of Calvary.

(c) Remember the cross when facing bitter experiences.

4. The cross sweetens the bitter times in life.

Conclusion

A. Are you thirsty of soul?

B. Come to Jesus and Drink the sweet water of Eternal Life.

C. Let God change your Bitterness to Blessing.