Exodus 17:6 – Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink." And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. (ESV)

Psalm 78:16 – He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers. (ESV)

Several weeks ago, I heard about an interesting archaeological find which fits the description of the rock that God commanded Moses to strike in the wilderness of Horeb. I learned the details on a website known as "Real Discoveries". This particular rock is much bigger than the one that I had imagined in biblical narrative. It stands at least sixty-five feet high and is elevated on top of a boulder hill which measures about two hundred feet or more. The towering rock is split and has deep channels cut out of the back and front side. Strange patterns of erosion suggest something catastrophic happened to it.

Could this be the same rock which provided water for two or three million Israelites and their animals in the desert? To me it seems like a strong possibility. But even if it isn't, the size and structure of this massive stone has opened my eyes to a better understanding of Scripture. It made me realize that the miracle which took place in the seventeenth chapter of Exodus was no small water fountain, but rather an immense river that flowed downward to supply more than enough water for all the people and their livestock.

Moreover, this story reminded me that Jesus is our Rock, and through His Spirit, fountains of living water will spring over into eternal life.

1 Corinthians 10:4 – And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. (ESV)

John 4:14 – But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. (NLT)

Along life's highway, we, too, cross vast wastelands much like the barren desert of Horeb. But like the Israelites who drank freely from the rock that Moses struck, it is up to us to take full advantage of Jesus' offer, refilling our cups from the well that will never run dry. Let us also share that blessing with those who are spiritually dying of thirst, in the hope that we can lead them to the true rivers of living water.

Prayer: We thank You, heavenly Father, that in this dry and thirsty land, You have provided for us a refreshing fountain of life. Teach us to drink deeply of this fountain, and then, show us how to lead others to share in its everlasting blessings. In the name of Him who is our water of life, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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