Today's Scripture:

Exodus 17:1-7 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. 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?”

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
To me, this scripture manifests God’s provision despite our sin and disobedience and the need for us to rely on God rather than our own efforts. When I reflect back on times of difficulty where God’s provision was evident, I often find that I recognize His provision only when I am looking back towards that event. My father died when I was fourteen and looking back, I can see that God provided a godly mother, faithful mentors and teachers, and growth environments that helped me flourish despite my loss.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
There are a number of lessons for us in this passage. First, it is important to note that God led the people to this desert place with no water - this was no accident. The same thing happened in Exodus 14 where God directs the Israelites to camp by the Red Sea. As they panic in the face of the Egyptian army, Moses tells the people, “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.” God then delivers His people and destroys the Egyptian army. It is like this with us, God often leads us to difficult places so that we can grow in our faith and spiritual maturity and learn to rely on Him. Second, when faced with an issue that he has no apparent solution for, no water in a very dry desert, Moses immediately turns to God. Often our first impulse is to rely on our own efforts rather turning to the One that has what we truly need. Next, God has Moses partner with Him to provide water for the people by utilizing the gifts God has given him – he is to strike the rock with his walking staff. Likewise, God has given each of us gifts that He expects us to use in partnership with Him to further His Kingdom and for His glory. Finally, the God provides the people with what they need in spite of their sin and grumbling. This should remind us that God provides not because of our inherent goodness, but because of His love for us. We call this unmerited favor grace.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
This passage points to the true living water, Jesus and our only true need – union with God. He also calls us to use the tools He has given us to do the work He has given us – making disciples of all the nations. Like the Israelites, this may mean overcoming difficult, awkward or inconvenient situations. Yet in Matthew 28:19-20 He assures us that as we carry out His work, He will be with us until the end of the age: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

About Hardie Morgan:
I have been married to Andrea for almost 40 years and have two adult children, William and Ariana. I have been on staff at Grace since 2009. If I am not at Grace, you will usually find me walking for exercise in my neighborhood or building something in my garage.
Staff