The Israelites left the Wilderness of Sin and headed toward Canaan, camping in Rephidim. They complained and asked Moses to find them water. Moses asked them why they contended with him and tempted God. It was a tense time, once again, in the life of Israel. No doubt, Israel needed water to survive, with the massive number of members in the family of Israel. However, their attitude (as predictable as it was) was again in direct opposition to their experience. They complained, tempted the grace of God, and doubted His willingness or ability to provide for their needs.
Moses, the great leader, nearly came to his breaking point. He cried out to God in desperation, looking for an answer, a solution. God responded by telling him specific instructions for providing water for Israel. He told him to take some of the elders of the people with him, take the rod with which he parted the Red Sea, and go to the Rock in Horeb. He was to strike the rock and then water would come forth, and God would have affirmed Moses again. Once he did strike the rock, water came forth, and he named the place Massah and Meribah, which literally mean “tempted” and “contention.”
The story of Israel speaks a lot of the Jews’ lack of faith and complaining against Moses and God. When we complain and refuse to believe in God’s power to save and provide, we contend with Godly leaders sometimes and we tempt God, These actions are counter-productive and do not bring about the fulfillment of God’s plan or the provision of our needs. When you need water, listen to the voice of the Lord and do what He says. When we believe, God responds. Don’t let your water woes cause you to doubt the only One who is always on time with your provision and protection!
Devoted To You 