Exodus 17:1-7
 
In this week’s passage, God tests the Israelites again – Will they trust Him when they’re thirsty? – but the people also test God by demanding that He solve their problem on their terms. If someone asked me, “Do you ever put God to the test?” I would say, “No, of course not!” (Wouldn’t you?) But perhaps we do. Holy Spirit, examine me. Show me when and how I am testing You, Lord, by making demands. Teach me to make humble requests with open hands, never allowing the request to harden into a demand.
 
Pastor Dave noted how kind and forgiving God has been with the Israelites in the book of Exodus so far, time and time again. But then Dave took us to Numbers, the book that continues the narrative of Exodus, to show us that God does draw a line with His people and shows His sternness. When the people fail tests of obedience, He brings painful consequences on them. Dave cautioned that it’s easy for us to forget God’s sternness. Before the Lord, ask: What particular sin do I continue to indulge because I presume You will be endlessly kind and gracious to me? Ask the Lord to develop in you, and all of us, a healthy respect (what the Bible calls fear) for His sternness.
 
Were you, like Dave, rooting for God to punish the Israelites when they were given the chance to take the “water test” a second time … and failed again? When we turned to Numbers 20 to read about the third “water test,” did you think God was a tad harsh when He decreed that Moses would not enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock instead of just speaking to it? Dave reminded us to guard against letting our human ideas about justice color our perception of God. He said, “We serve a God who is bigger than our little minds.” Admit to the Lord that we are small, finite, flawed creatures who must never, ever, sit in judgment of what He does.
 
In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea

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