Bitter Waters
I am thinking of a journey I took several years ago across the Sinai desert on our way to Egypt. Our van driver knew only one speed and that was ‘full-speed ahead!’ We periodically struck sand that had blown across the highway (like snowdrifts, though considerably warmer). The van would verge dangerously on the highway! However, across the desert we successfully traveled! This reminds me of another journey in the other direction – out of Egypt. The nation of Israel had just escaped with a great intervention of God, the parting of the Red Sea. Yet, only three days into the desert they come to a place where their expectation for drinking-water was disappointed. The waters of Marah were too bitter to drink. We also at times come to a place in our journey where the waters are bitter. The bitter waters of physical limitations due to disease or aging; the bitter waters of emotional pain due to unsettling circumstances; the bitter waters of heartache due to a troubled relationship; the bitter waters of spiritual emptiness even in the midst of plenty or the bitter waters of a nagging conscience confirming that we have offended God. Our tendency is to blame someone or something. The solution is to cry out to God. God will touch our lives with His healing power. It was at the place of bitter waters that the thirsty travelers discovered that God is Jehovah-Rapha. Jehovah-Rapha means “The LORD who heals.” God is able to heal our hurts and especially our spiritual emptiness. Jesus Christ asked two blind men, “What would you have me to do for you?” Duh! We are blind! We want to be healed! However, it seems Jesus was probing so they could assess if they really wanted to be healed. After all, when their eyes were opened, life would never be the same! If you find yourself at the place of bitter waters, do not blame but rather claim the healing power of Jehovah-Rapha, the LORD who heals. Exodus 15:22-27.
The Shady Lady and the Black Ghost
The Shady Lady and the Black Ghost. Having just returned from a great time of rest and relaxation, my mind still flashes back to the shady lady and the black ghost. What on earth is he talking about, you might ask? A seedy novel? A horror flick? Well, no. One of my favourite leisure events is fly-fishing. If you are at all knowledgeable about salmon fishing, there are many fly-hooks with which to try and entice the wary salmon. Some of the names of these fly-hooks are very interesting-names such as “shady lady” and another by the name of “black ghost.” (Being myself a pastor, I am also aware of the names of two fly-hooks by the names of “preacher” and “priest”). It always amazes me that these tiny hooks are effective in catching some sizeable fish. One of the challenges of fly-fishing, especially for Atlantic Salmon, is
which fly-hook is working best at what time and place. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am reminded of His words, “Follow Me and I will make you to become fishers of men.” So, I am often thinking about what are the fly-hook patterns that may attract people to Him. Perhaps a common interest that generates friendly conversation is the fly-hook. Perhaps a listening ear in time of need. Perhaps a more direct approach that speaks of eternal realities. All of Christ’s followers are fishers. How intentional are we in catching souls for Christ? How is God reminding you about at this time to catch someone alive for Him? Which fly-hook will bring your fish ashore for Christ?