Exodus 17:5 The Lord answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go.
I believe that verse 7 is the heart of the Israelites’ problem during the exodus: “Is the Lord among us or not?” Perhaps they thought that life would be easy if the Lord led them out of Egypt, that a life “with the Lord” meant a life without worry or stress. Clearly, that’s not the way God works.
Exodus 17: 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
That process of wrestling with our faith is one that we all go through, it’s that process of going from the faith of our parents to the faith we embrace. “Is God with me as He promised? And if He IS, why does this situation still feel so bad/scary/painful/etc?” The process of resolving those questions is a difficult one, but it leads to a more personal, active faith.
Exodus 17:7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Precious Savior, the question of whether or not You are with us is one that we will all face at one time or another. Thank You for Your love and compassion as we wrestle with such a difficult, personal question. Thank You for Your fierce love, even in our struggle. Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Exodus 17:8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.
Have a blessed day.