As I reflect on Today’s Holy Nougat, I am struck by the Proverbs of Solomon: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. Acknowledge God’s lead in all things, and God shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). When you read both you will see it for yourself.
Exodus 17:5-6 AFV
[5] And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take with you the elders of Israel. And take your rod with which you struck the Nile. Take it in your hand and go.
[6] Behold, I will stand before you there upon the rock in Horeb. And you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, so that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
God’s Good Directions
These instructions were clear.
Go ahead of the people
Take the rod with you – I will go before you to Horeb rock
Strike the rock
Water will come forth.
There was only one catch – Horeb was genuinely a desert. The word itself means desolation or a dry place. I suspect that had it not been for his experience of God’s provision, Moses would have questioned God’s wisdom. Logically, it didn’t make sense. Yet God proposed to guide Moses’ steps and produce water for the House of Israel supernaturally.
Self-Check
How did we react when God invited us to do the impossible in faith?
Digging Deeper
Siblings, sometimes it is easier for us to assume that we didn’t hear God’s voice because what is proposed is so unusual. Horeb was indeed known to Moses as the mountain of God. But water from a fiery hot rock… erm, it’s not the stuff that immediate compliance is built on. However, it could be the crucible in which one’s faith is tested. For Moses was still dealing with the reality of angry, thirsty, complaining Israelites. If that rock did not produce drinking water as intended, he would be in hot water.
Moses was faced with a critical decision. Would he obey the Lord God as directed, trusting that God would do as promised? Or, would he do his own thing, whatever that entailed. Throughout our journeys of life, we will also face difficult decisions. We’re told that Moses not only heard, but he also obeyed. Will we trust God despite the odds, in the sure hope that God will direct our paths? Or do we hold firmly to logic, trusting in what we can see? May we be found faithful, allowing the Lord to direct our paths.
Prayer Point
Grant, dear God, that we will trust You with all our hearts in uncertain times. Attune our thinking to Your plans, so the glory remains Yours. Amen.
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May all we seek be found in Christ
