Moses Asks God for Water

By Mary Vee
Exodus 17:1-7

Today's story is told from Moses' point of view

I looked up after finishing my morning manna and noticed the cloud with God's presence moving to the east.  Several other men noticed as well and pointed up.  We spread the word, instructing the people to prepare to move.

We had grown accustomed to moving. No one planted a garden, set up a business, or a permanent home.  God said He would lead us on a journey.

We travelled a couple of days through hills to a desert area.  The cloud stopped over Rephidim. I guess I hadn't noticed our water supply had run dangerously low.  Think of all the things I have to do!  Keep the travel pace slow enough for the children and elderly; allow for necessary breaks; notice if this part of the path is safe for the animals, or should I be to the left, or the right; do we need to camp soon, what did Aaron asked me a minute ago; the list of duties is longer than I care to think about. 

I don't really mind leading these people as God asked--but sometimes their complaining makes me tired and gives me headaches. 

The cloud with God's presence stopped over Rephidim. Quicker than a camel empties a bucket of water a large group of men came to me and screamed, "Give us water, that we may drink."

Hadn't they learned from the manna, and the water at Marah they simply needed to trust God?  He promised to take care of us.  Most likely God brought us to this place to see if we would trust Him.  He wouldn't let us die of thirst.

I couldn't help myself. I flung up my arms and huffed. "Why do you fight with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?"

They wouldn't listen.  Several men stepped closer to me and scowled. "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?"

My heart wept.  I walked away where I could be alone with God.  When I talk with Him, my insides settle and I can breath.  He lets me cry out to Him and talk about the problems.  I struggled for a moment to find words, but my anger at the people jumped through my lips. "What am I suppose to do with these people? They're ready to kill me."

He waited for me to listen to Him then said, "Take some of the older men  and go to the rock in Horeb. I will be there with you.  Take your rod, the same one you've used, and strike the rock.  When you do, water will come out of it for the people to drink."

I took the men to witness God's blessing. When I reached the rock at Horeb, I struck it as God said. Water gushed from the rock and soaked our feet.  God took care of us, like He said He would.

I sent a few men back for the people. 

While they were gone, I soaked my feet in the water and wondered when the Israelites will realize God will take care of them?

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1.  Why did God lead the people to Rephidim?
2.  What did God want the people to do?  Did they?
3.  What did Moses do with his problem?
4.  What can you learn from Moses today?