God's laws are our survival techniques for this world.

I was reading scripture this week and came across Exodus 15:25 where the ancient Israelites had just crossed the Sea of Reeds and were crying out for something to drink because the waters were bitter. God showed Moses a tree to throw into the waters which made them sweet and drinkable.

Most versions read something like "There He made a statute an ordinance for them, and there he tested them."

But the version I'm reading says this: 

"It was there that God taught them survival techniques and methods, and there he tested them."

It goes on to say in the following verse that,

“If you diligently listen to the voice of Adonai your God, do what is right in His eyes, pay attention to His commands, and keep all His decrees, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians. For I am Adonai who heals you.”

And it struck me—how good was it for God to show his people the way to live in freedom after living as slaves for over 400 years. How good for him to reveal to Moses a way to provide clean water for the people of Israel. 

We can choose to reject his ways or we can believe that he wants the best possible life for us—one of freedom and joy. 

We can choose His survival techniques and learn to love God with all of our hearts, all of our souls, and all of our strength while also learning how to be in right relationship with everyone around us. And His ways always lead to wholeness and healing. 

Oh that we would listen to his voice and pay attention to His words!