The rock that satisfies
“Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes, and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” —Numbers 20:8 (NIV)
As we navigate our sweltering California summer against the backdrop of fires and heat waves, our text for this week invites us to reflect on accessing water in dry places. In the biblical book of Numbers, a significant event teaches a valuable lesson about our relationship with God. Moses and Aaron, the leaders of the Israelites, faced a challenging situation where the people were thirsty and in need of water. God instructed Moses to gather the assembly and speak to a rock, promising it would pour water to quench their thirst.
Imagine the scene — a thirsty, weary community eagerly waiting for Moses to bring forth the much-needed water. Yet, instead of following God’s instructions precisely, Moses’ frustration and impatience took over. Instead of speaking to the rock, he struck it twice with his staff. Water indeed flowed out, but the consequences of his disobedience were severe.
Can you relate to Moses in this story? Have you ever found yourself exasperated responding to those you are charged with leading or teaching? Or have you ever been annoyed with your colleagues or with your direct reports’ lackluster response to your leadership? The persons who get under your skin may be a spouse, partner, child, or family member. Regardless of who they may be, leading, teaching, and doing life with people is hard work.
The desert’s harsh reality and hundreds of people compounded Moses’ situation. His ability to lead this group of recently emancipated families to the Promised Land required a dependence on and obedience to Yahweh. In this instance, God’s command may have seemed insignificant, but it held a profound lesson for Moses and us.
This incident serves as a reminder to trust in God’s timing and methods. Sometimes, in our impatience, frustration, and disappointment with others, we resort to our efforts and strategies, trying to force results according to our plans. However, God desires that we rely on Him alone, believing in His promises and following His instructions faithfully.
Just as God provided water from the rock for the Israelites, He offers us spiritual refreshment and sustenance through Jesus Christ, the Rock of our salvation in our dry, hot desert experiences. As we reflect on this passage, may we faithfully follow God’s instructions and the leading of the Holy Spirit by placing our unwavering faith in Him. When we face difficulties or challenges, remember that God is the ultimate source of all our needs. He is the Rock that satisfies our spiritual thirst and meets every requirement of our lives.
—Dilys Brooks, PhD, BCC, is campus chaplain for Loma Linda University.
