Exodus 17 reminds me of football players posing in self-promotion after making a normal play. This often ignores the efforts of other players that were the catalyst for the outcome. Today’s lesson is that success is usually a team effort. The chapter begins with the whole nation departing from “the Desert of Sin”. Though the name has nothing to do with the English word, many of us have struggled in trying to leave destructive habits behind. Any adversity is magnified. Next, the nation “camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people”. Remember, they were being led by the Cloud by day and Fire by night. This was not a result of poor planning, God led them to this place. The people once again turned on Moses: “Give us water to drink.” This was not unreasonable; no water means death. The complaints got personal: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” To his credit, Moses cried out to the Lord: “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord responded with very clear direction: “Go out in front of the people.” Under stress, our tendency is to pull back and let the ruckus die down. Moses is told to visibly lead. He is also told: “Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take… the staff.” Moses represented God to the people. The Staff of God in his hand meant that God was with him. The Lord said: “I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb”. The next instruction is very precise: “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” The short commentary is also critical: “So Moses did this”. Without drama, Moses just allowed God to work. Moses struck the rock, but God provided the water. God alone deserves the praise.
There is an important element to this story that makes it much more profound. At times, Moses misrepresented God out of anger, or impatience. We see the worst example in Numbers chapter 20. 40 years later, God is going to use Moses to teach about the Messiah. This time, God commanded Moses: “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron… Speak to that rock before their eyes… You will bring water out of the rock for the community”. Details matter! The rock symbolizes Jesus. This was to demonstrate a picture that Messiah would be struck once for our sins; thereafter everyone who asks for forgiveness by faith will receive the everlasting water of salvation. Sadly, in anger, “Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff”. Our God of mercy still quenched the thirst of His people, but Moses’ misstep was so monumental that he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. In the most important highlight moment of his life, Moses allowed his emotions to get in the way. How many people missed hearing of God’s grace because of his self-focused action?
The chapter closes with a wonderful example of intercessory prayer. “The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim”. Moses told Joshua to choose men to go out and fight the Amalekites. Moses continued: “I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” Aaron and Hur accompanied Moses. While the battle raged “As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.” Understandably, Moses grew tired, so “they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it”. Next we read: “Aaron and Hur held his hands up” (one on each side) “so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” On the battlefield: “Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” I am convinced that we are completely unaware of the spiritual battle taking place around us. I am also convinced that prayer moves the heart of God. One reason we pray is that we are blessed when God answers. Every answered prayer increases our faith. Again, Joshua was holding the sword, but God was in control. Perhaps as a way to keep Joshua humble, the Lord commanded Moses: “Write this on a scroll… and make sure that Joshua hears it… I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” To make sure Joshua did not forget: “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.” Every participant did their part, and together they acknowledged that God won the battle. Friend, are you posing, or praying?