Numbers 20:1-8
Remember our discussion on types back in January? Sometimes we have to be careful about discovering types when Scripture is not clear, but that’s not the case here. Paul specifically said that this “rock was Christ.” Some biblical interpreters take this to mean that Christ literally appeared in front of them in the form of a rock and provided them water, while others take it to mean that the rock that provided water represented Christ. I don’t think it matters all that much, but I tend to lean towards the latter view. I certainly believe that Moses’ rock at the very least is a type of Christ, and we can learn some important lessons from this image.
This is not the first time that the rock spouted water for the Hebrews. If you look at Exodus 17:1-7, you’ll see a familiar pattern: The people had a need and immediately attributed the worst possible motives to the Lord and Moses. There's nothing wrong with going to God with our needs (in fact, we're commanded to do so in Philippians 4:6), but their problem was how they were doing so. Instead of humbly asking him to provide for them and acknowledging his goodness towards them so far, they “grumbled” against Moses (and the Lord by extension) and trampled his mercy, kindness, and compassion underfoot. Ingratitude is an ugly thing, especially towards our Redeemer.
When confronted by the people’s need, Moses was commanded by God to go to a rock and strike it. When he did so, life-giving water flowed out. In today’s passage, however, he was commanded to merely speak to it. I thoroughly believe that this represents our relationship with Christ. He was struck for our sins, once and for all, and that's all it took. He doesn’t need to be crucified again-no matter what the Catholic Church or anyone else says. After we're redeemed by his grace and mercy, once we sin, the thing to do is talk to him about it. This is what confession is—literally you “agree” with God that you've sinned, and then you repent, meaning that you make a determination that (by utilizing his strength) you’re going to stop your disobedience. 1 John 1:9 has one of my favorite promises in Scripture: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Considering how often I need forgiveness, that’s really good news.
Father God, what did it cost you to restore and forgive me? What did it cost you to pull me out of the pit of my sin and claim me as your heir?
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