Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More
Text: Exodus 17
God led them to a dry place (vs 1)
- This is not much different than the Spirit of God leading the LORD Jesus Christ into the wilderness.
- There are things about the LORD’s leadership that are very uncomfortable. And things that I don’t like.
- I hate that some of the best preaching is done from places of great pain. I don’t like that. But I also know that isn’t God’s fault.
When the flesh is under pressure you can murmur or you can pray (vss 2-4)
- These Israelites have seen the mighty hand of God now several times. But the response is still to complain and hate Moses.
- When Job was put under pressure he begged God for some light, some reason. He didn’t curse God though.
The LORD leads Moses to the rock (vss 5-7)
- Moses prays, he doesn’t charge God with malicious intent. He asks God for help.
- The LORD provides leadership to lead him to the rock.
- He’s instructed to hit the rock. Now, I don’t think this is just one whack with a wooden shepherd’s crook. I imagine the hitting may have taken some tools and was done to break the rock open.
- Showing once again that thing I hate about ministry is often the supply for what’s needed comes from something broken.
The rock is Christ
- Now, the physical rock that is broken open here is not Jesus Christ. But that rock is very much like Christ. And spiritually speaking, the whole thing pictures Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
- The rock in Horeb on mount Sinai is a type of Christ throughout the scripture
- Exodus 17:6 – The LORD goes before Moses to the rock and stands on the rock. The LORD tells Moses to smite the rock and the flock of Israel would be watered. The LORD is not the physical rock, but it was an illustration of Christ.
- The rock in Horeb becomes the place where God gives Moses tables of stone with judgments, instructions, and commandments. Horeb is where the word of God would be inscribed in the rock.
- Numbers 20:7-12 – Speak to the rock.
- Deuteronomy 32 (vss 4, 15-20, 28-33) – Moses’ last exhortation to the nation of Israel
- 1 Samuel 2:1-2 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
- 2 Samuel 22 (vss 2, 3, 32, 47) – David’s last song describes the LORD as the Rock (Psalm 18). And David’s last words 2 Samuel 23:1-3.
- 1 Kings 19:8 Elijah returns to where God fed His people years ago; physically and spiritually.
- Psalm 31:2-3. (Also in Psalm 42, 61, 62, 71, and several others.)
- Psalm 118:22-24
- Isaiah 8:13-15 – Isaiah says the rock would either be a sanctuary for those who trust in Him or a devastating and destructive force of judgment for those who deny Him. Isaiah 28:14-17 further describes the Rock that will be laid in Zion.
- Daniel 2:31-45
- Matthew 16:18
- Matthew 21:42-46; Pharisees understood he was speaking of himself and them.
- Luke 6:46-49 House built on a rock. (Faith cometh by hearing…BUT what about the DOETH THEM? That sounds like works. Here’s how Paul put it. Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: then in Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men.
- 1 Corinthians 3:11-13.
- Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
- 1 Peter 2:4-10 (stumble at the word, being disobedient vs 8)
