The Water from the Rock

Ever since the second month after the Exodus from Egypt, God provided water for the children of Israel through a rock that followed them throughout their travels. Now, as their forty years in the wilderness is approaching an end, the rock suddenly stops giving water. The children of Israel arrive at the wilderness of Zin, Miriam dies, and there is no water. What happened? Why did God cut off the water supply just as they are getting ready to enter the land? What does this tell us about Yeshua?

You Shall Know that the LORD has Sent Me

After God told the children of Israel to turn away from the Promised Land after their refusal to go into the land, dissension rose up in the camp. Korah, a Levite and cousin of Moses and Aaron, accused Moses and Aaron of taking too much authority. As we shall see as we examine this passage, Korah’s motivation was his desire for power and position. He wanted to be both leader and high priest, the positions that Moses and Aaron held. The congregation was ready to follow Korah; after all wasn’t it time for a new leader? Moses and Aaron hadn’t led them into a land flowing with milk and honey as they had promised! But, God was about to demonstrate to the congregation just who belonged to Him and whom He had sent. Yeshua would face these same challenges; how were the people to know that God sent Him?

 

The Power of God

As the children of Israel approached the Promised Land they stopped and camped at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Paran. From there, they sent out twelve spies or explorers to discover what they could about the land and people living there. But ten of those sent out brought back a negative report of land and a frightful report about the inhabitants. There at the doorway to the Promised Land, they doubt the power of God to take them in. Yeshua sent out twelve disciples into the Promised Land. What does that tell us about their belief in the power of God? What does that tell us about our belief in the power of God? What happens when we doubt? What does it cost God to forgive us when we doubt?

 

Journey at the Command of God

When the children of Israel came out of Egypt, they arrived at Mt. Sinai and stayed there for nearly a year before continuing their journey to the Promised Land. The children of Israel began their journey from Mt. Sinai to the Promised Land when the cloud of the presence of God lifted off the tabernacle. When this happened, it was the signal to break camp and follow God. As we examine how the children of Israel knew when to camp and when to break camp, as well as where to go, we learn more about God’s guidance in our own lives.