“Then they came to Elim,
where there were twelve springs
and seventy palm trees,
and they camped there near the water.”
Exodus 15:27 (NIV)
In reading through the Bible chronologically in a year, I am currently in Exodus. This morning’s passage included the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites as they were being pursued by the Egyptians. “And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.” Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. Exodus 15:17-22 (NIV)
After this amazing crossing the Sea on dry ground, God then led them through a desert. Throughout the journey from Egypt, He had provided everything they needed. He gave them guidance and light by a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire. He provided them food to eat and water to drink. Each step, He was with them. Though the path from slavery to freedom seemed slow and was indeed difficult, God was so faithful to show them Himself through provisions and miracles.
Reading through to Exodus 15:27 this morning, I felt immediately refreshed with the thought of fresh springs and palm trees. Wow. God had brought them out of slavery. He provided everything they needed. He protected them from their pursuing enemies by a miracle of His mighty right hand. He brought them through the desert and to Elim. After being in the desert, I imagine those twelve springs and seventy palm trees at Elim were a paradise to them.
Today, we kept our children home from school for a “stay well” day for the first time. The Lord had put this on my heart yesterday morning during my quiet time. He confirmed it through my husband. Then, this morning, as I read about being camped near the water in Exodus 15:27, I thanked the Lord for His will for us for today. And I asked Him to keep our family forever camped near the Water so that we would always “stay well” in His perfect care. We want to camp near the Living Water today and every day. We need His life, sustenance and refreshment. May His twelve springs and seventy palm trees always be waiting for us, inviting us to rest and be refreshed after a journey of trust in Him.
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)
Unknown says
1/4 of my daughter’s class is out with influenza. Is that why you’re having a stay well day?
I’m reading at the same point as you now. God is providing, but they’re still grumbling, aren’t they?
Sounds like me. *sigh*
God Chaser says
I too am reading= love the insight you gained and agree with Chatty Kelly- they are still grumbling- but I focused on God bringing them out of Egypt with a mighty hand and how He has brought me out of My Egypts. Lot to grasp from the this reading.
blessings, love, joy and peace
Joyful says
Your chronological Bible is obviously different than mine. I was reading Ex. 20-22 today.
I love the picture your post created in my mind. I can almost feel the cool breeze through the palm trees and hear the refreshing water in the springs. Oh, how we need those times of refreshing in His presence.
Today I wrote on refuge – Person, Place or Thing. So thankful the Lord is my refuge.
Hope you’re enjoying a wonderday day!
Blessings,
Joy
Wendy Blight says
Thank you for passing on the wise words to “forgive quickly” on my blog today!! I suppose that is so that “root of bitterness” cannot grow. Never thought of that before…just always thought I must forgive but not the timing.
I loved your allowing your kids to stay home for a “staying well” day. What did you do? How old are they?
Sharon Sloan says
Hi, Wendy! It’s the first time we did a “stay well” day…totally the Lord’s doing! The kids classes has/had some unpleasant illnesses going around! God is good. Only by His grace….
Mary Moss says
Your post called up such great imagery. I could almost hear the water gurgling in the springs.
Yes, I long to camp there with you. Thank you for sharing your insights.