IN A BRIEF three days’ time the Lord had introduced His people to experiences they would meet with all along the way to Canaan. They were compelled to face the realities of the desert and know that it was not a permanent abiding place. Like Christians now, they were to press ever onward toward the promised land. They could not tarry along the way.
And now follows a most important principle that applies to the walk of the believer; namely that blessing is dependent on obedience. The blessing of the believer is dependent on his walk. The Lord said: “If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” verse 26. How little it was to ask of a people on whom He had expended such abounding care and goodness! Alas, how poorly they answered to these simple requests, but failed grievously, and became subject to all those terrible diseases from which the Egyptians suffered. When the Lord Jesus came to earth He healed many of their diseases, but they rejected Him, and now Israel’s blessing must wait the coming day.
Christians now have no promise of deliverance from disease, though God does make all things work tether for good to those who love Him (Rom. 8:2929For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)); but our blessings are heavenly, and we know that there will be no sickness or death in our eternal home above.
But there is many a Christian who once knew the joy of salvation but is now without the conscious enjoyment of a single blessing, because’ of a careless walk. And many a one is suffering like the world because of unfaithfulness. On the other hand God delights to come in all His unchanging love and bless one who is seeking to walk in obedience and who rejoices in doing His will.
“And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.” verse 27. The waters were not bitter there, and there was plenty for all. And there are Elims too along the Christian’s pathway — resting spots along the way, where the “wells of water” supply abundant refreshment from Him who gives the living water, while the “palm trees” provide food and shelter to the desert travelers on their way home to heaven.
How tender of the Lord to pride such grateful refreshment for His people in the wilderness.
Just as the Lord gave us to drink of the water of life when we came to Him as thirsty sinners, so we can drink again and again each day of our lives. And then in that glory above, we shall find that “pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:11And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1).
The twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees make us think of how the Lord sent out the twelve (Luke 9) and the seventy (Luke 10). He has His faithful servants ministering the word of life to their fellow-men today. His Word says: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12,1312And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12‑13).
ML-08/24/1969