Moses – The Making of a LeaderSample

Day 12: Water from the Rock 

Thoughts on the Passage

Rephidim became a place of conflict. 

Today, we read about the people questioning God’s provision for their needs. They need water, and they do not see God [or Moses] doing anything about it. These are the same people who saw God destroy Egypt and release them from bondage; they saw the Red Sea parted and the Egyptian army destroyed; and they received the manna (bread from heaven) to meet their food requirements. Now they need water…and they act like they cannot trust God to take care of them. 

God instructs Moses to go to a specific Rock, and to strike it with the rod of God. However, we read that GOD WAS STANDING THERE AT THE ROCK. It was not that God was unaware of their needs, instead they were unaware of God’s presence as the answer to their need. What released that understanding and the water that they needed? Moses using the rod of God. The same rod that released their deliverance is now being used by God to meet their needs. In a sense it “taps into the heart of God” for the people and reveals God’s provision.

Paul talks about this Rock – and identifies it as a spiritual representation of Christ. Christ was with them through the whole journey, but they did not recognize Him. They did not recognize that He was there with provision for their every need – physically and spiritually. The same Rock…. The rod of God opened up the physical provision. They never did learn how to receive the spiritual provision – and they died in the wilderness and never made it to the promised land.

What is the provision that you need for your life? The Rock is there to release it.

Application to our Life

Jesus was with them to meet their physical and spiritual needs. What is Jesus waiting for in us that we are not aware of? The same faith that releases deliverance is there to provide for our needs. Release it!

Time to Pray
Father, as I walk through my day, I want to know that Jesus is here with me. I read that Jesus walked with them through the wilderness – and they just could not see Him. I do not want that to represent my day today. Give me assurance that Jesus is walking with me and will provide for every physical and spiritual need. That is just who He is. 

Also, Rephidim was a place of conflict. It could have been known as a place of revelation instead because You revealed Your presence when they did not know You were with them. In times of turmoil, open my eyes to Your presence - I want to see You. In Jesus' name, Amen.