Miracles In The Wilderness Series - Lesson 18 - Water from a Rock - Part 1

With the Lord’s command, the children of Israel left the Wilderness of Sin. Arriving at Rephidim, they set up camp, but found no water to drink.

In anger, Israel blamed and accused Moses of trying to kill them with thirst shouting, “Give us water, that we may drink.” When he tried to reason with them, the conflict grew so great he feared for his life. Then Moses cried to the Lord.

Israel may have lashed out at Moses, but in their hearts, they doubted the Lord was among them.

Again, I have to say, it’s a good thing I’m not God. I mean, the pillar of cloud and fire were there constantly and manna still appeared each morning. Hadn’t Israel already seen enough jaw-dropping miracles to last them a lifetime? Shouldn’t they have cried out to God themselves instead of yelling at Moses? Why are they still questioning God’s presence?

Do you question God's presence?

I know we haven’t seen the miracles Israel did and we aren’t roaming a literal wilderness, but we still could be experiencing a wilderness - spiritually. Maybe you lack the necessities of life or maybe, you’re stumbling through heartbreak. Do you feel discouraged, troubled, or directionless? Does life hold no meaning or purpose? Then, my friend, your soul is parched and dehydrated and you too, need a drink of water.

Thankfully, our Lord looks on the heart. He knew how Israel felt and He knows your feelings and troubles. God loves us unconditionally, and as Israel, His thoughts toward you are for your peace, to give you a future and a hope. But you must trust Him.

Israel’s doubt grieved God.

Yet, because He is love and knows our weaknesses, God provided water from a rock.

To Moses, the Lord said, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.”

Can you imagine, striking a rock with a walking stick and out pours water?

I have heard liberal scholars try to explain this miracle away by saying it was a natural phenomenon. Their point is some hollow rocks over time, fill with condensation. When the rock fractures, water pours out.

Well, no offense to those learned individuals, but tell me what type of wooden stick will crack a rock? Then explain what size hollow rock could hold enough water to quench the thirst of at least six-hundred thousand people?

This was no natural phenomenon. It was another incredible miracle.

Nevertheless, does this miracle have spiritual meaning? If so, what did it foreshadow?

We’ll find out next week. But in the meantime, email your thoughts to meatforthehungry@gmail.com. Can't wait to hear from you.