And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. So he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the contention of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:5-7)
By these words in His instructions to Moses, the Lord reinforced both the position of Moses as leader of the Israelites journey out of Egypt, and Himself as being present with him as He would stand before him to act on their behalf. By answering the people’s charges against Moses and their underlying challenge of their own lack of faith of His presence. God’s miraculous intervening did not sustain the faith of the people Moses led, because unbelief would soon take over the moment that their physical needs were not being met. Rather than relying on God’s promises they choose to instead rely or lean on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
Christian friend, does our faith remain steadfast in the Lord even in times of testing and great need? Do we see Him as our sole provider and the Lord as always before us? Massah and Meribah, names mean appropriately, “Testing and Contending”. When we find ourselves in these places do we turn to the Lord, and His Word to us?
Christ is our Rock! Was struck to provide us the water of eternal life, and even today, goes before us and leads us in our walk of faith.
May the Lord bless your walk today!
WOW!!! Nice Post!Kind Regards