Again and Again

O.T. #180  "Again and Again"
Dec. 3, 2013
Exodus 17-Part 1
Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.  Exodus 17:6 KJV

LET IT GLOW

Do you recall the two previous tests God gave to Israel? They were the test of time, which occurred about 1 1/2 month after they left Egypt in such a miraculous way, then entered the barrenness of Sin in the desert. There God gave them wells and palm trees for relief. The second test concerned hunger. The Israelites missed the food they had back in Egypt, when they were slaves. God provided them with manna (bread) and meat (quail).

Now we see the third test which God gave the Israelites in these two chapters. The is the test of thirst. They moved from the Desert of Sin to Rephidim, which was just northwest of Mount Sinai. Once they reached this destination, the Hebrews discovered that there wasn't any water to drink (verse 7).

What did the Israelites do again? They complained again, about their lack of water. After God miraculously provided for them back in Elim. What's up with these people? If they were in the place of God's leading, it was His responsibility to take care of them. In spite of their failing these three tests, God met their physical needs, again. Mercy, mercy.

Folks, I am just as guilty. God provides for my need and then I doubt the next time I have a need.

LET IT GROW

The people criticized Moses and murmured against God, again. Not again.

They were actually "tempting the Lord" by their attitude, for they were saying that God did not care and that He would not help them. They were trying His patience by their repeated complaints. (Wiersbe)

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

So intense was their reaction that Moses thought he was about to be stoned. (MacArthur)

What were the instructions God gave Moses?

• Walk on ahead of the people. (verse 5)
• Take with you some of the elders of Israel.
• Take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile.
• Go.
• Strike the rock. (verse 6)

Moses did as he was instructed. Water came out of the rock as God told him it would.

This rock is Christ (1Cor. 10:4). The smiting of the rock speaks of Christ's death on the cross, where He felt the rod of the curse of the law. The manna illustrated Christ's coming to earth, smiting the rock, his death on the cross, and the water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, given after Christ was glorified (John 7:37-39). (Wiersbe)

Once we have received instructions from God, we are to walk on, take others with us, take His Word in our hands, go, and tell about the crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Are we obedient?

LET IT GO

Wait and listen for God's instructions.

Take what He tells me to take.

Go where He sends me.

Share the love of Jesus and the gospel of Jesus with others.