Bitter Water and Barren Lives

In 2Kings 2:19, there is one of the most unusual and interesting stories in the Bible, and one I believe to be extremely relevant to today, to our society, and especially to our Churches. A delegation of officials from the historic city of Jericho had made a pilgrimage to find, and bring home, the prophet Elisha. Upon the delegation approaching their city, they paused on a hill outside of town, to help Elisha more fully understand their dilemma. As Elisha looked down from this observation point, he saw the city of Jericho as a lovely, fertile city, nestled on a small but luxuriant plain in the Jordan valley, but this was merely a facade. This plain was renowned for its abundance of plant life, including palm trees, fig trees, wheat fields, and beautiful wild flowers. All of these, nourished by the Jordan river, often called "the most interesting river on earth". It was here that the Israelite spies took refuge, as they were seeking to explore the land, and the people that they would soon conquer. The dilemma that the city faced was well hidden behind the facade of all this beauty, and productivity ....... the dilemma …… the abundant water was naught (bitter), and the fertile land had become barren. The Hebrew word translated barren is shakol, which literally means to miscarry. This probably referred not only to the women, but also to the animals, and possibly the fruit and grain. Nothing would ripen! The bud would appear, followed by the blossom, and soon by fruit, but before it could ripen, it would be cast-off, only to die.


I am afraid that we are confronted with this same scenario, in our lives, in our Churches, and in our society. To the entire world we look fine. We are pleasant and peaceful, well dressed and well fed, but on the inside we are filled with bitterness and barrenness.

We look very lovely and productive on the outside, but on the inside is a very different picture. Internally we are filled with bitterness, which is creating barrenness, in our life and ministry. Jesus said of the Pharisees that they were whitewashed on the outside, but like a lovely grave, they were filled with death on the inside. Though we do not like to admit it, this is sometimes a description of us.

In at least three places in God's word (2Kings 2:19-22, Exodus 15:22-25 & James 3:9-12), we find bitterness and barrenness linked together. It is apparent in each case that bitterness is the root cause of this barrenness. In Hebrews 12:15 God warns us that a bitter root produces bitter fruit. Is your Christian life devoid of good fruit? Is it only producing bitter fruit? Do you often come close to victory, but end up in defeat? God indicates that bitterness is the cause of barrenness, and with that thought in mind, research carefully the material that I am going to share with you. Examine your own life, in the bright light of God’s word, for any bitterness that you may have. From the beginning of creation it has been God's plan that we be fruitful. Bitterness is often the wall that separates us from the fruitful life that God intended. Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it abundantly". Are you enjoying the abundant life, or are you struggling to survive, day by day. Struggling because of the acid called BITTERNESS, that is eating at your very being, and stealing your peace and productivity.

Bitterness is like me taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.