Lesson: 214 Lesson Name: The Water and the Rock
Theme: Sinner's Need and Helplessness

Reading: Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:2-13

Memory Verse: John 7:37
Memory Verse Text: If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.

Activity: Download a 3d printable map of the Egypt to Canaan journey of Moses and Isreal in the Sunday School Printable Activities section. Hands On Activity - 3D full-color, printable map showing the Egypt to Canaan Exodus travels.

Point 1: The Israelites murmured to Moses again, this time because there was no water (Exodus 17:1), so Moses interceded for them before the Lord.  Even though they were where the Lord wanted them, they couldn't see anything good about their circumstances,  their leaders, or their God.
Point 2: God told Moses to "smite the rock" with his rod (Exodus 17:6).  Moses obeyed and there was an abundant supply of water for all.  This is a picture of God smiting the Saviour (the Rock of our salvation) on the Cross and of what has flowed forth from that smiting to meet the sinner's need.
Point 3: Just after Miriam had died, the children of Israel had no water and began murmuring again.  They apparently had forgotten all about what God had done previously.  Even though the Tabernacle had been built, the Israelites didn't seem to have a greater sense of the reality of God with them.  When Moses and Aaron went before the Lord, Moses was directed to "Take the rod... and SPEAK ye unto the rock" (Exodus 20:8).  Disobediently and angrily, Moses smote the rock twice; nevertheless, God provided water for all.
Point 4: As a result of his actions, God told Moses that he would not be able to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  Application: How tremendously important it is to listen to and obey what the Lord says.

Notes: Other uses of the rod: Rod became a serpent, Swallowed the magician's rods (that had also turned into serpents), Used to turn the waters into blood (First plague), Used to divide the Red Sea.  God used Moses' rod to cause all these events: The rod did not have power, GOD did.

See also: Old Testament History - 2.08 - Wandering in the Wilderness