Water from the Rock - in God's Time

Exodus 17: 1-6 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. 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?”

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?”

Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.”

The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front 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. 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.

As I read this passage, a couple of things occurred to me. I thought it was strange that God waited to provide water until they grumbled, then grumbled to Moses, then Moses grumbled to God. Only after Moses asked God what to do did God provide water. God knew they'd need water in the desert. He knew they'd grumble for it and about not having it.

Why did God wait? Perhaps He waited so that they would recognize the water as a gift from God. Oftentimes we are blessed with gifts galore but never recognize them. We don't think about the everyday blessing that we receive.....until we don't have them. Like water. I take water completely for granted. I just accept that I will be able to get water any time I want it. I don't know that I have ever thanked God for providing me with water....or food.....or fresh air....or any number of other blessing that are poured out on me each day.

The second point that occurred to me is that God told Moses to take witnesses and "go out in front of the people". He also said, "I will stand before you." I think the purpose of this may have been to keep them focused on moving forward....toward God. Not to remain where they were. Not to turn back (like many wanted to do). But to continue moving toward God, looking forward to where God is. To see where the gift of water came from, they needed to look toward God.

Thank you, God, for standing before us. When I turn back, or away, please do what you must to draw my attention back to You standing before me. Thank you for providing all things to me and for me. I am sorry that I take Your gifts for granted. May I be respectful and thankful for your gifts. Amen.

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