The Water of Grace

Exodus 17:1–7

The story of Moses in Exodus teaches us that being saved by God means being set free from what holds us back. This freedom doesn’t happen instantly—it’s a journey, often through tough times, that helps shape our character. By understanding God’s patience, his strength (symbolized as a rock), and his sense of justice, we can better navigate life’s ups and downs.

1. The patience of God

Even when the Israelites accuse Moses of neglect and causing death, Moses turns to God for help. God responds with amazing patience and dedication to meet their needs, showing us what “longsuffering” is—a patience that goes beyond just tolerating to caring for those who are difficult. This story encourages us to appreciate God’s patience, his faithfulness, and the blessings we have, and to find peace in his unending patience.

2. The rock of God

God’s love often shows up in the most surprising and difficult places, like water coming out of a rock. When we’re going through tough times, we can find joy and enough in God. The cross, the ultimate symbol of suffering, is also the ultimate source of God’s love.

3. The justice of God

Hard times can be like a wilderness where we learn to trust God and wrestle with the big questions of evil, suffering, and injustice. This story shows us the search for God’s justice in a world of human suffering, our tendency to blame God, and the shared desire to end wrongs. It introduces the idea of blasphemy, Jesus’s crucifixion as a response, and the hope we can find in His sacrifice. We’re encouraged to find strength and joy in Him.