The Bitter Water of Marah Became Sweet
(Ex. 15:22~26)

The Israelites who came out of Egypt went into the Desert of Shur and walked in the desert for three days. But, they suffered because they could not find water. They discovered water when they came to Marah, but could not drink its water because it was bitter. The people began to grumble against Moses. When Moses threw a piece of wood that God showed him into the water, the water immediately became sweet. Today, all people live thirsty and tiring lives in the desert called life. This is because thorns and thistles are filled in life because of Adam’s sin.

1. The bitter water of life caused by sin
1) Because of Adam’s sin, the bitter water of sin is filled in life. (Rom. 3:9~10)
2) People are living a life filled with passions and desires, following the sinful nature. (Gal. 5:19~21)
3) People are living a life that faces sufferings with various diseases of bodies and hearts. (Ps. 38:3~4)
4) People are living a life filled with thorns and thistles because of sin. (Gen. 3:17~19)
5) All people cannot avoid death and suffering that are the results of sin. (Rom. 5:12)

2. The Crucifixion of Jesus and the Fivefold Gospel
1) We gain forgiveness and righteousness through the cross of Jesus. (Rom. 3:23~24)
2) We get to live a clean and holy life through the cross of Jesus. (Titus 2:14)
3) We gain healing and health through the cross of Jesus. (1 Peter 2:24)
4) We receive the blessings of Abraham through the cross of Jesus. (Gal. 3:13~14)
5) We get to gain resurrection and eternal life through the cross of Jesus. (1 Cor. 15:20~22)

3. Jehovah Rapha, the Healing God
1) God is pleased with those who obey His word. (Deut. 11:13~15)
2) We must live by practicing righteousness in God’s eyes. (Prov. 19:17)
3) We must hear God’s commandments and live by following His word. (John 15:10)
4) God promised blessings to those who keep His word. (Deut. 5:12)

Conclusion
God is a healing God. He heals those who suffer from sin and changes absolute despair into absolute hope. Therefore, people who believe in God should not fall in despair or give up no matter what kind of situations they face. If we rely on the cross of Jesus and pray by going before God, God will allow us to live with dreams and hopes by changing the bitter water of life into sweet water.