Exodus 17
Water From the Rock
1 The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”
Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?”
3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”
4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”
5 The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”
Just like the Israelties, I too forget how good GOD is and has been. Here were the Israelites who had seen the miracles GOD had performed in egypt, quarreling and complaining. Sound familiar?? THey had a need. Verses 1 and 2 say that they needed and wanted water. Imagine they were in a desert, and problably were a little dehydrated from all that traveling. The children, women, and livestock were also in need, it needed to be met quickly. I can relate, I too have had needs and been desperate. Life, or GOD tests us to see how faithful we will remain. Yet we don’t always pass the test. The Israelites had to take it over and over again!
Now they(israelites)were witnesses of the sea splitting so they could walk through and be saved from the hand of the egyptians, but still, they forgot that GOD had gave them food to eat, that he had provided for them and kept his promises. Just like that in our times of need, and desperation, it is human nature to forget the goodness of GOD and demand to know where he is. Just like the Israelites who wanted to know of GOD was with them or not?? (verse 7) Sounds silly when you read it, huh? You say how can the Israelites have forgotten, what was wrong with them??
It’s a human flaw that connects all of us, unfortunately. The thing that is most striking is that in the few previous chapters GOD reassures them saying, “Do not be afraid, Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14
That is a direct word from the LORD. Jehovah-nissi. THE LORD MY BANNER! He said he would fight for them. That means in the time of your need, despeartion, heartache, and confusion, the LORD will be there. Don’t try to fix it yourself, you are only going to make it worse. He will answer you, if you call on him. If you trust him. If you are still. His word says in Psalms 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Know that he is GOD! Let’s not fret about our needs and worry. Were are really good at doing that aren’t we? We think we can fix our own problems, but sometimes the problem or circumstance is too large for us. It calls for a mightier and bigger hand!
Let’s not quarrel and complain to GOD even after he has said he will be with us.
Let’s not doubt whether he is with us or not. Even when we feel him farthest, he is closer than ever.
Let’s not forget, that he promises to never leave us or forsake us.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Yes its natural to forget, but let’s not camp in our forgetfullness, forgetting GOD. Remember the Israelites stayed in the desert 40 years, because they kept forgetting, and kept doubting in GOD. Yes, times will come when we will have nothing to do but believe in GOD and trust him. I know, i’m there. Yet in our time of need and desperation, is when we should make the greatest effort to remember the goodness of the GOD, and trust in him. It is our nature to forget, but we must remind ourselves not to!
In return he will be our guide, our strength, the fighter of our battles, our Good in everyday, our banner, and righteousness!
Be Blessed today and take this with you in your heart, “For this is our GOD for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end” Psalm 48:14