Life in the wilderness can feel hopelessly dry—just ask the Israelites in Exodus 17. They’ve been following God’s command, only to arrive at a desert campsite with no water. Thirst escalates to anger, and soon they’re ready to stone Moses. Their demand, “Is the Lord among us or not?” rings with unsettling arrogance, given everything God has already done: plagues in Egypt, crossing the Red Sea, daily manna from heaven. Yet they dare to question God’s goodness and presence.
Abounding Sin
From any human perspective, this moment should have ended in condemnation: how could they possibly accuse God of neglect? They had witnessed astounding miracles firsthand! Still, they nurse suspicions and grumble. Their sin abounds, displaying hearts hardened against the Lord’s past faithfulness.
Abounding Grace
But incredibly, God does not reject them. Instructing Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, He causes a massive outpouring of water—not a trickle, but a gushing river more than enough for all. It’s a vivid picture of divine mercy: God’s grace overrides their sin. Instead of punishing them with the staff of judgment, He uses it to provide life-sustaining water. No matter how great their unbelief, the Lord’s generosity is greater.
The Rock Was Christ
Drawing from 1 Corinthians 10, we see something more: the rock that was struck points to Jesus Christ. Just as water poured forth in the desert, Christ was “struck” at the cross—taking our judgment so we receive life. In the same way that water sustained Israel physically, Christ’s sacrifice sustains us eternally. Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more.
This ancient story meets us today: we too need to repent of grumbling, testing God, and forgetting His mercies. When we’re parched for hope, we look to the Rock who was broken for us—out of Him flows an endless supply of grace and forgiveness. We find new life in His self-giving love and assurance that He truly is among us.
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