So the people grumbled.

Exodus 15:22-26, Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore it was named Marah. So the people grumbled at Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” Then he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree; and he threw it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and regulation, and there He tested them. And He said, “If you will give earnest heed to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His sight, and give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I, the LORD, am your healer.”

The amazing miracle of the parting of the waters was only days behind, and yet the grumbling starts. Today it seems to be a national habit in our own culture! The amazing grace of God comes to them in cleansing the water by a tree, and also by a promise. In heeding the voice of the Lord, He will be their healer. Which is easier, to grumble or to give thanks; to listen to His voice or to do what seems right in our own eyes?

We give thanks to You for Your word; open our ears that we may listen and keep Your commandments, for Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light!