Numbers Chps 19-20
Once again as the Israelites wander through the desert, they question God's plan:
2 Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. 3 They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! 4 Why did you bring the LORD's community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!" (Numbers 20: 2-5)
To me it's not really that long since the last time the Israelites grumbled against Moses and the Lord!!For all of this grumbling, God shows mercy and instead of wiping out grumblers like He does in Numbers 16:31-33, he provides water and lets them live:
9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. (Numbers 20:9-11)
Is our God not merciful? Although God could have killed the Israelites, he lets them live. However we do see that God punishes the Israelites by not allowing them to reach the promised land...yet.
On the one hand we see how God provides for our needs (water) yet is firm in that it is HIS plan and HIS timing that is the priority. We need to be patient.
My Prayer: Thank you for how you provide and for your mercy. Forgive me for my own sin and impatience and help me focus on you and your plan.
