Time and time again after the exodus from Egypt, the children of Israel were threatened by water shortage. 3 days into the wilderness right after their epic Red Sea crossing, their water source ran out and the entire community grew desperate (Exo 15:22-25). Were they wrong in complaining to Moses? Water is undeniably one of our main source of sustenance and it is a legitimate cry of need. When they came to the waters of Marah, they were elated! They found what they were looking for all along. They dashed towards the water, took a big gulp and found to their horror and disappointment that it was bitter. Moses was then instructed by God to throw a tree into the waters and it was made sweet. Many scholars believe that the tree/log/wood that was cast into the waters is a prophetic symbol of the cross of Christ.
When we are in great thirst for legitimate needs such as water, patience, love, wisdom, understanding, etc. and think that they alone are the answer, then we are wrong. Any solution without the cross of Calvary is bitter. Without Christ at the center of our business, projects & relationships, all the money, connections, deals, friendships and promises that we find or make is at best bitter and at worst, toxic. Like the children of Israel at Marah, when we are bent on seeking a solution apart from God, even the correct solution that comes our way is unpalatable. The crux is not in the lack or presence of a solution, but is Christ in it? And how do we know if He is in it? By the way we relate to one another in our search for and in the administering of a solution. Is there love? Many well-meaning work groups break down because of the lack of love for one another and for their target community, even when there is no lack of solutions and resources. Erwin R. McManus says it well in his book Chasing Daylight –
The more you love God, the more deeply you care about life. The more deeply you care about people, the more deeply you are committed to making a difference in people’s lives.
Herein lies the difference between a solution that is bitter and one that is sweet.
As you read our latest missions update, we hope you will sense that the undergirding factor behind our people and projects is the love of Christ.
