5 - Jehovah Rophi
Scripture Passages: Exodus 15, Matthew 8:1-17
Devotional
Isn’t it amazing how quickly we can shift from faith to fear? From celebrating to complaining? Today, we will take a look at the Israelites after their incredible deliverance at the Red Sea. The Bible tells us they rejoiced with songs and dances, proclaiming, “The LORD hath triumphed gloriously”. They had just witnessed the most extraordinary miracle—the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army. Yet, just a few days later, they found themselves grumbling and complaining in the wilderness because they couldn’t find fresh water.
They came upon Marah, a pool of water—but it was bitter, undrinkable. Can you imagine the confusion, the frustration, and the disappointment? They’d experienced God’s mighty deliverance, and now they were in a place of deep need, feeling abandoned. We can all relate to those moments, can’t we? God has shown Himself faithful in the past, but when trials come, we wonder, “Where is God now?”
The Israelites’ bitterness at Marah wasn’t just about the water—it was a reflection of a deeper issue. Their hearts had become embittered, and God knew that if He was going to move them forward, that bitterness had to be dealt with first. Why did God lead them to Marah? It wasn’t to punish them. It was to give them a chance to face the bitterness in their hearts. He used the bitter waters as a mirror for them to see their own spiritual condition. It was there that He revealed Himself as Jehovah Rophi, “The Lord who heals you”.
God didn’t just provide for their physical need; He addressed the deeper issue of their hearts. He showed them that He wasn’t just a God of miracles—He was a God of healing, not only for their bodies but for their spirits.
We’ve all experienced pain, disappointment, or wounds that have made us bitter. Maybe you’ve struggled with un-forgiveness or frustration over a season of trial that has seemed endless. The question is, will we allow those things to fester, or will we invite Jehovah Rophi, the God who heals, into those places? God doesn’t shy away from our bitterness. In fact, He is the One who can turn that bitterness into sweetness. When Moses threw a tree into the waters, the waters were healed. In the same way, God offers His healing touch to our hearts, to mend what has been broken, to soothe what has been hurt, to restore what has been lost.
As we walk through our own wilderness, the answer is not just to look for the next miracle. It’s to trust in the character of God, in His desire to heal and restore us. His heart is not to abandon us, but to make us whole. What is the bitterness that you’ve been holding on to? Is it anger towards God, someone who’s hurt you, or disappointment over unfulfilled promises? Today, ask Jehovah Rophi to heal that bitterness. Ask Him to reveal His loving character to you, that you might experience His healing.
Prayer:
Lord, we come before You with hearts that may be burdened with bitterness, disappointment, or unforgiveness. We acknowledge that we need Your healing touch. Help us to release our hurts into Your hands, trusting that You are the God who heals. Thank You for being faithful, even in the wilderness, and for offering us Your love and healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.