Exodus 17:1-7—Water
is necessary for physical life. Upon the Lord’s direction, Moses brings water
out of a rock for the wilderness people. God’s people are in the wilderness and
are thirsty. This is one of a series of complaints of the Israelites during
their forty-year stay in the wilderness. This episode follows the pattern of
the others: The people complain to Moses, Moses takes the complaint to Yahweh,
and Yahweh graciously answers the need. In this case, Moses is directed to
strike a rock out of which comes water. The account points out the
faithlessness of the people by threatening Moses and, by putting God to the
test, the obedience of Moses and the goodness of God in answering the need. In
this instance, there was the sin of putting God to the test. Is God with us or not?
Upon the Lord’s direction, Moses
brings water out of a rock for the wilderness people. God’s people are in the
wilderness and they are thirsty. This is one of a series of complaints of the
Israelites during their forty-year stay in the wilderness. This episode follows
the pattern of all others.
The people fist complain to Moses,
Moses takes the complaint to the Lord and our heavenly Father graciously
answers their need always according to His most gracious will. In this case, Moses is directed to strike a
rock, out of which comes water. The account points out the faithlessness of the
people by threatening Moses and by putting God to the test. The obedience of
Moses and the goodness of God are demonstrated in addressing and answering the
need. In this instance, there was the sin of putting God to the test; they
demand an answer. Is God with us or not?
Lord Jesus, this I ask of Thee, Deny
me not this favor; when Satan sorely troubles me, then do not let me waver.
Keep watch and ward, O gracious Lord, Fulfill Thy faithful saying; who doth
believe He shall receive an answer to His praying. [2]
Collects for Lent 3: O God, whose glory it is to have mercy,
be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again
with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the
unchangeable truth of Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [3]
[3] Collect for Lent 3, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. St. Louis
[4] Collect for Wednesday of the week of Lent 2, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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