Water from the Rock
Exodus 17:1-7
Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink. v. 6
Having achieved their freedom from slavery, the Israelites found plenty to complain about. To Moses: “Why have your brought us out? To kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?
These aren’t people feeling undying gratitude for freedom. These aren’t people living in awe and wonder at the mighty acts of God. If anything, these are people asking God, “What have you done for me lately?”
And yet, God provides. God sends Moses and the elders to the rock at Horeb. Moses follows God’s command, strikes the rock and water comes out–enough for them, for their children, for their livestock and then some. These are not necessarily deserving people. These are simply thirsty people.
When we find thirsty people, what do we ask for? Gratitude? Appreciation? Loyalty? Kinship? God doesn’t discriminate or ask for anything. All who are thirsty are invited to drink. Water is provided on this planet for the deserving and undeserving, for the good folks and the evil ones, for the young and the old, for the healthy and the sick, for the complaining and uncomplaining. God’s gift of water is for all. How do we ensure that water, safe water, healthy water is available to all?
PRAY: God of all creation, lakes and streams teem with life. Be with those who seek to maintain waterways and lakes to keep them free from pollutants. May they see their work as joining in your work to preserve the creation you love so dearly. Amen.
FAST: From long showers.
ACT: Set aside a bottle of fruit juice for a local food pantry
OR set aside $1 for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
...the least of these... 