Consternation’s Consequence

        “He split open the rocks in the wilderness to give them water, as from a gushing spring. 16. He made streams pour from the rock, making the waters flow down like a river!”   Psalms 78:15,16  NLT 

        Who would think water could cause such dismay and murmuring?!  We all have been thirsty at times, but to lash out at God in unthinkable.  God in His patience, once again, fulfills their need- with consequences!  The need for water begins Israel’s journey and also ends their journey.

Read:  Exodus 17:1-7 (Ex.15:22-27);   Numbers 20:1-13

I.  Ex.17:1-7  “Strike” The Rock

v.1-3 *  desperate need,  there was no water, desperation sets in

*  frustrated emptiness finds nowhere to be filled- but by God

v. 5-7  *water from a rock?  an unlikely source of water supply!

*  the rock of itself could not produce water-  however,

*  when God was in the picture- He provided supernaturally

*   Isaiah 55:1- a life giving supply;   Revelation 22:17  abundance

II.  Nu. 20:1-13  “Speak” To The Rock   fast forward 40 years:

*  Israel had finally reached the banks of the Jordan River in Kadesh

*  God was ready to to fulfill His covenant and promise to Abraham

*  God was ready, but Israel was not (again)

*  they once again forgot what God had done for them in the past

v. 6-11   *surrounded by an angry, thirsty mob, Aaron & Moses seek God- 

*  Aaron and Moses naturally feared for their lives

*  they fell before God and sought God’s forgiveness for Israel’s sin

*  God had mercy and once again performed a miracle for Israel

v.12,13;24  Now Aaron and Moses were being tested by God

*  so distraught, they forgot how God had told them to do it

*  was it finally their resentment  against the murmuring Israelites?

*  the thought of yet another 40 years wondering in the wilderness?

*  unbelief that just speaking to the rock could bring forth water?

*  the power was not in the rod, but in God’s abundant providence

*  disobedience to God’s words and instruction has its consequence

*  unbelief and disobedience brought God’s judgment upon both Aaron and Moses.           “judgment must begin at the House of God”  1 Peter 4:17

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