The LORD Among Us

"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." And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel."

Exodus 17:6

As I read this passage I was struck by the reality of God's presence, that He would stand before Moses on the rock in Horeb.  His presence had led them out of Egypt in a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, yet the thirsty people wondered if God had brought them out of Egypt to slay them.  They were so incensed against Moses he imagined they wanted to stone him to death.  Moses came before the LORD and prayed about what to do.

When Moses obeyed God's command and struck the rock upon which God stood, water flowed abundantly from the rock.  All the people, their flocks and herds were supplied with water from God who was their Rock.  Like many of the miracles God did that are recorded in the Old and New Testament, it served multiple purposes:  to meet the physical needs of people, and to display the grace and power of God.  Exodus 17:7 shows how the situation was a demonstration of God's presence among His unbelieving people:  "So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"

Jesus walked through Israel and did many signs and wonders that confirmed His identity as God-made-flesh and the Gospel He preached.  In His grace God did not just provide water for those who believed but all were granted water so they all might believe.  Jesus healed many people who did not believe He was the Son of God, yet their healing was a testimony their conscience did well to consider long after Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven.  When the Living Water of the Holy Spirit came upon the 120 disciples on Pentecost, it was evidence God was with His people in-person.

Paul wrote of the children of Israel in 1 Corinthians 10:4-5:  "...and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. ⁵ But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness."  Paul urged followers of Jesus to go beyond the marvel of God's miraculous provision of water that temporarily satisfied the thirst of the people.  God's provision did not quench their thirst for idolatry, lust, fornication, murmuring and unbelief.  This warns those who Christ has made to stand take heed lest they fall.  God is faithful, for with every temptation makes the way of escape and strengthens us to endure.

Let us not be lifted up in pride nor lose heart as we look to Jesus who is faithful.  Jesus our Good Shepherd goes before us , and we have all assurance "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."  By faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit spiritually regenerates and fills us.  Knowing God is among and in each one of His redeemed people brings satisfaction and rest for our souls as we live to please Him.