Water from the Rock

What the rock was to Israle, Jesus is to us

Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Exodus 16-18

Abbreviated Reading: Exodus 16:4-5; 17:1-15

“…and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.” Exodus 17:6

It had only been a few weeks since God had so victoriously delivered Israel out of Egypt when the people of Israel began to grumble. God had promised to lead them, provide for them, and fight their battles, but they got hungry and thirsty and instead of trusting, they began to complain.

God is so merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. He delivered Israel, revealed His power and mighty hand, then gave them an opportunity to grow in faith. We are given the same opportunity.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you 1 Peter 4:12

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 1:7

Israel didn't do so well with their test – and we often don’t pass ours. But just like God provided Israel water from the rock that was struck (Ex 17:6), He has provided us LIVING WATER from the Rock of Ages. Jesus was struck for us so we could be filled, never thirst again, and live with Him eternally.

God’s provision for us is as sure as His provision for the Israelites. In fact the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that Jesus was the Rock that provided water to quench their thirst.

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” 1 Corinthians 10:4

What a wonderful revelation! What the smitten rock was to Israel, Christ’s crucifixion is to us. The smiting of the rock was God’s plan (Ex. 17:5) just as Christ’s crucifixion was God’s plan (Rev. 13:8). The smitten rock’s water offered life (Ex. 17:6) just as Christ’s crucifixion extends salvation to anyone who comes to Him (John 4:14, 7:37–38).

What is your need today? Is your spirit thirsty? Go to the Rock and dig into God’s Word today, find Jesus and never thirst again (John 4:10).