Journey Through the DesertParaugs

Massah

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Jesus’ response points us to a commandment found in Deuteronomy 6.

Verse 16 says, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.”

What happened at Massah?

Massah - a place in the desert where Israelites rebelled

“And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7).

A desert is a hard place, bringing us to our Massah, where we will face the seed of the tempter. The seed of unbelief.

Massah is where the seed of unbelief can find the perfect soil to grow. The tempter wants us to grumble, doubt God’s goodness, and question His presence.

“Ye shall not tempt the Lord thy God, as ye tempted Him in Massah.” In the history thus referred to, the people’s sin had been that they questioned the presence of God with them until they saw supernatural proof of it. They asked, “Is Jehovah among us, or not?” and that question sprang from unbelief. (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers)

Although Massah is known as the place where the Israelites rebelled, it also marks the spot of God’s provision and patience. He miraculously provided water for His grumbling people who tested Him.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we read of instances when the people demanded a miracle for them to believe. All the way up until Jesus hung on the cross, they taunted Him, demanding a sign.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”

Jesus came to do the will of the Father. He was fully committed to His will. He fulfilled the prophecies that spoke about Him. He walked in the path His Father prepared beforehand, setting the example for us. He would not be derailed by those who demanded a sign or questioned His identity.

Reflection:

What are some lessons that Massah can teach us?

What good works do you think God is calling you?

How does the desert prepare you for what God has prepared beforehand?

Is there anything in your life that could derail you from walking into what God has prepared for you?