Scriptures. Sis Deborah Hillman
Scripture Lesson Text:
Exodus 17: 1-7
Related Scriptures:
Exodus 15: 22-26, 19: 1-6; Numbers 20: 1-11
Psalm 95: 6-11; John 4: 7-24
In Exodus 17: 1-7 we read that Moses led the Israelites from the wilderness of Sin, then to Rephidim which would be the last stop, before reaching the Promise Land where they would remain for many years. The Lord instructed Moses to pitch tents as there was no water there, and they had traveled through the desert for many miles. Once again the people began to grumble that Moses had led them, their children, and cattle to die of thirst in the wilderness. Moses cried to the Lord for help as he felt threatened, likely to be stoned to death. The Lord instructed Moses to go before the people and the elders, with the rod in hand to smite the rock, so water would spring forth.
In the Related scriptures; Exodus 15: 22-26 tells us Moses led the Israelites from the Red Sea through the desert of Shur traveling 3 days with no water. They came to Marah (which means bitter) but the water was bitter. Moses prayed to the Lord for help and was shown a piece of wood to throw in the water and it became drinkable. Exodus 19: 1-6 speaks of the Israelites leaving Rephidim to set up camp in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. Moses was instructed to tell the people to obey and keep the covenant.
Numbers 20: 1-11 begins with the Israelites camping at Kadesh and once again rebelling against Moses and Aaron because of their lack of trust in God. Miriam died and was buried there. Moses was instructed to speak to the rock, but Moses struck the rock twice. Psalm 95: 6-11 calls us to praise and worship the Lord, and gives us the familiar verse…”Today if ye hear will hear his voice…(v.7)”. John 4: 7-24 includes the discourse of Jesus and the Samaritan woman where the dialogue of the day includes living water and worship in spirit and truth.
Synopsis. Supt Janice Hall
The people focused their complaint against Moses, but he understood their problem was with the Lord. God purposely, planned and allowed these circumstances to help them grow in their trust in Him. Moses faithfully did what Israel should have done. Moses had the proper response and placed the situation before God in prayer.
Moses, as the leader of Israel, was directed by God to go out before the people along with the assistance of some of the elders. Moses had confidence in God because of previous times when he was to specifically follow the instructions. God was with them every step of the journey and He would show His presence to all.
Moses did what God told him to do and struck the rock with his staff and the water flowed.!! They witnessed a great miracle of God’s provision to the unbelieving Israelites.
The attitude of the Israelites was their great sin, as they posed the question..” Is the Lord among us, or not?”. They doubted the love, care and presence of the Lord. As the Expositor exhorted us to “ look for the hand of God in all our situations “, we want to strive to a greater relationship with God through faith.
Practical Application. Sis Raufu Spagnoletta
During the Pandemic of 2020, Lamentations 3:23-24, “…great is thy faithfulness,” has been my song of praise, my prayer of thanksgiving and the heart of my worship. God’s faithfulness for what He has done, what He is doing and what He has promised to do, is a reminder of His love. Therefore with a trusting heart, I will wait on God! In our lesson, the children of Israel, with a distrustful heart, tempted the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us, or not?”
The Israelites were learning to be people of God and they were experiencing the meaning of God’s name, JEHOVAH, the “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). The LORD (JEHOVAH) will be all that His people ever needed Him to be. We find in His compound names: I AM, Jehovah-Jireh , the Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14); I AM, Jehovah-Roi, the Lord my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1); and I AM, Jehovah-Hosenu, the Lord Our Maker (Psalm 95:6). Our response in time of need is not to murmur, but to ask in faith.
How do we maintain a heart of gratitude for the things God has done and trust in His faithfulness for the future? The answer can be found in I Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
