BAD WATERS

“Then the men of the city said to Elisha, “Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren.” – 2 Kings 2:19.

REFERENCE:

2 KINGS 2:19-22

The ruins of Jericho were cursed by Joshua (I Kings 16:34) to ensure the city was never rebuilt. Now it appears that although Jericho had been rebuilt and is beautiful, some invisible powers were making it produce contrary to its potential. Hence, the elders went to Elisha to inform him that although they lived in a beautiful environment, the water source was brackish and polluted, and it caused barrenness in their women.

Jericho was called the city of palms. Its name means ‘place of fragrance.’ If you were a visitor to the city, you would admire the palm groves, great architecture, gardens, serenity, fountains, etc. However, the citizens – the elders – understood that all was not well; their water produced barrenness and caused pregnant women to miscarry. Life in the city was full of pain, tears, sickness, and lack. Whatever it was, it was in their water. The men of Jericho realized they had a problem but also knew whom to appeal to – someone who had a relationship with God.

A.    The water is bad – That is: Life is not what it should be; it is hard and not yielding good results for our labors. When the water is bad, we can assume that everything living in it suffers; it would eventually cover the land, the vegetation, and the humans. It says sin is everywhere, and the spiritual atmosphere is contaminated. On their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites got to a place they hoped to rest in, but the water was bitter. They named the place Marah. In Acts 3, a man lay at the beautiful gate, but he was lame. Beautiful locations, bad experiences.

B.    The ground is barren: – ‘The land was unfruitful’ suggests that it was not the right place for the Holy Spirit to manifest His fruits and works. When a city is said to have ‘barren ground,’ businesses don’t do well there. Reaching people with the gospel of salvation or drawing them closer to God becomes challenging. If ‘fruits’ even manage to sprout, they do not remain.

People say you are living the good life, but within you, you know it is not true because there is barrenness and unpleasantness in your finances, marital status, relationships, academics, family, etc. When Israel was in a situation like this, Moses prayed for them. In Jericho, Elisha’s intervention changed their position. I speak as God’s prophet and decree a change in your situation. You will know God’s beauty within and without. Your personal success will reflect in your public success. Barrenness, failure, and lack end now. Let the spirit of shame and regret be lifted off you now, and may God turn your bitter waters into sweet ones, in Jesus’ name.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY: 

Exodus 15:22-27 & Psalm 30:11-12 (AMPC)

PRAYERS

Father, I realize there is bad water in the situations and environment around me, causing the ground to cause miscarriages and bring misfortunes. Therefore, I commit it into Your Hands, knowing that You alone can turn bad and barren situations around. I command every bitterness to become sweet, and every barrenness to turn to fruitfulness. “He grants the barren woman a home and makes her a joyful mother of children.” You will give me beauty for ashes and diamonds for dust in Jesus’ name, Amen.