For Those Who Are Thirsty Paraugs

Jesus Meets Our Needs

Do you remember the story of the Israelites? They were enslaved, crying to God for help because of the harshness of their masters. God sent Moses to deliver them from the Pharaoh, who did not want to let the people go. God sent plague after plague to change his mind. Finally, the Pharaoh relented. Then he changed his mind again and chased the Israelites with his army. They were trapped between him and the Red Sea. But God made a way of escape. Moses raised his arms and the sea was parted. The people of God escaped but their pursuers drowned. 

Moses led the people through the wilderness. It was a harsh and rocky desert. How did Moses and his people get food and water to survive in this harsh environment? God sent the Israelites manna every day. When the people longed for water, God told Moses to speak to a rock. But Moses did not do what he was told. He struck the rock instead, and angered God. Yet God still gave water for the people to drink. 

The rock that Moses struck represents Christ. He is our spiritual Food and Drink. At the Passover meal before His arrest, He held the bread before His disciples and said that it was His body, which would be broken for their sake. He held the cup and said it was His blood, which would be poured out on their behalf. Then He was stricken for our sins. He was beaten on the way to Calvary, and nailed to a cross. When He died, He was pierced with a spear, and water and blood flowed from His side. Because of His sacrifice, we can be forgiven of all our sins. Because He rose again, we can have new life. When we believe in Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts. 

Jesus knows what we need. He forgives our sins. He frees us from our fears. He brings life. He brings continual nourishment and refreshment so that we can have communion with God through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reminds us of all Jesus taught and did on earth. He helps us travel through the wilderness and deserts we face, until we reach the Promised Land. Jesus meets all our needs.