Reading: Exodus 17:1-3

Verse 2: “So they quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’”

As the Israelites wilderness journey continues they come to a place with no water. You’d think that after witnessing the 10 plagued – oh the Passover! – and the parting of the sea – oh the Egyptian army! – after all this you’d think they knew a God who could provide water. But wait – God did that at Marah and again at Elim. And… God provided manna and quail when they ran out of food and became hungry. After all of this, you’d think they’d trust God and Moses at least a little bit. But have you ever lived in scarcity?

The Israelites are living with a scarcity mindset. They have no crops, no place to call home, no money in the bank. They are relying on God and Moses for absolutely everything. It’s a lot of faith and trust to hold in just one source. When you’re wondering if you’ll ever eat again, when you’re worried about where you’ll sleep that night, when you are dying of thirst – it’s hard to see anything but that one thing. Logic often goes out the window. Faith and trust usually aren’t far behind. So the people quarrel with Moses (and they test God), demanding, “Give us water to drink.” In such moments of want and desperation it can be hard to see or to believe that God has a plan.

For the Israelites, their relationship with God runs through Moses. He is their one intermediary. We have a personal relationship with God. We have the constant indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. We can turn to the Bible and remind ourselves of God’s love and promises. Imagine trying to live out your faith without any of these things. That’s where the Israelites were. That’s where people without faith are today.

Prayer: Lord God, I cannot imagine life without you. You’ve provided so many ways to connect, to lean in, to hold on. Thank you. And, Lord, take my gratitude and turn it into fuel to lead others into a saving relationship with you, into faith and trust and hope. Use me today to build your kingdom here on earth. Amen.