Journey to the Cross

Pause

We are thirsty for many things.

What do you thirst for today? Why do you thirst for this thing?

Might this thing tell of a deeper thirst?

Listen

So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with this people? They are getting ready to stone me.”

The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of Israel’s elders with you. Take in your hand the shepherd’s rod that you used to strike the Nile River, and go. I’ll be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Hit the rock. Water will come out of it, and the people will be able to drink.” Moses did so while Israel’s elders watched. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites argued with and tested the Lord, asking, “Is the Lord really with us or not?”

Exodus 17:4-7

Think

Why is it so hard to trust God? This story tells of the third time since God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt that the Israelites complain there is no bread or water. Every time, God provides for them.

We thirst to know God is with us and will provide for us. Yet, no matter how much God has done for us in the past, we struggle to believe God will do so again. When we find ourselves lacking faith, perhaps we need to cry out as the father of the sick child cries out in Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief!”

The good news is that God’s provision does not depend on our faithfulness. Even our salvation is based first and foremost on Jesus’ faithfulness. So whenever you feel you have faith thinner than a strand of hair, remember God will still provide for God’s thirsty people. That is who God is! And we are people for whom God cares and whom God loves, no matter what we do.

Kellie Wilson

Pray

God, I believe; help my unbelief! Anytime I feel scared or in need, help me to trust in who you are — a God who loves and cares for your people, including me. Amen.

Go

We all thirst for a sense of identity and mission. We thirst to know who we are and what we are called to do.

Ultimately, it is God who tells us we are beloved. This good news is water for our thirsty souls.

Now go and give this water to the thirsty.

Go and let others know they are beloved through your words and actions.