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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 129

"As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His Name." Isaiah 47:4

Text: Exodus 17 : 5-6

DESIGNED FOR TEACHING

Would God be able to resolve the problem of water supplies? But of course! This time round, God wanted the children of Israel to learn lessons that should have been mastered a long while back! The Lord had already formulated His answer!

“And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go on before the people,
and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your
hand your rod which you struck the river, and go.'”
EXODUS 17:5

There were three things God wanted Moses to do before he performed the next miracle! The issue of hostility must be addressed if not fully resolved! There were lessons for both Moses and the children of Israel to learn!

1. “Go on before the people”

Moses must learn an important lesson about leadership! He must never be intimidated by the people he leads, no matter how high the tension may be! He must dare to always be visible to the people. He must confront his own personal fears. He must control all that he felt and with great courage face the most hostile of crowds!

2. “Take with you some of the elders of Israel”

Moses must learn how to tap the resources available to him! Some of the elders may have a very good standing among the children of Israel! If the people knew that these elders were supporting Moses, perhaps they would think twice about being so unfairly negative towards him.

3. “Take in your hand your rod which you struck the river (Nile)”

The rod of Moses symbolized his authority and power from the Lord! If Moses carried his symbol of authority with him even as he spoke to the children of Israel, they might have a greater regard for his words!

THE SPECIAL PROMISE OF GOD’S PRESENCE

None of the above things in themselves would amount to anything without the fourth aspect – God’s Presence!

“Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb;
and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it,
that the people may drink.”
EXODUS 17:6

“I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb”

God was there with Moses! He was “before him” all the time! Moses must not panic at any time! God was in control – always!

“Strike the rock, and water will come out of it”

Could God draw water from a rock? Faith in God must be exercised!