Exodus 17:1-7
Moses was between a
thirsty mob and an unforgiving wilderness. The people he was leading wanted
water, instantly, and he had to provide it. They had lived their entire lives
near the Nile, and were used to knowing where the water would come from. Moses
had, after all, spoken to them of the place they were supposed to be headed to,
a land flowing with milk and honey. If this was the case, why couldn’t he just
give them the water they so desperately wanted?
Moses did the one
thing he had made his habit by now. He cried out to God. He gave an accurate
picture of the situation they were in and God provided water from a rock. A
rock! God could have caused it to rain or mysteriously diverted some faraway
river to their location. Even more conventionally, He could have given them
directions to the next available source of water. He did a miracle in the midst
of their murmuring. He overlooked their negative attitudes and blessed them
anyway. They were not worshipfully seeking His face as they asked graciously
with thanksgiving for water. They were in foul spirits, complaining and
murmuring and He still blessed them and catered to their needs, performing a
miracle in the process.
God deals with us very
graciously. If He was to deal with us according to our deeds, motives and
desires, we would mostly receive punishment rather than blessing. He is
extremely patient with us and He desires nothing short of our good and His
glory. God’s patience is not easily worn out. Isn’t that reason to celebrate?
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