2026 Lent Devotions
Monday, March 2
Exodus 17:1-7
1 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do for this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
“… The people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” …”
“When are we going to get there?” “How much longer?” “I’m hungry!” “I’m thirsty!” “I need to go to the bathroom!”
Traveling with children in the car is an experience of griping. Between the constant questions about the length of the journey and the approximate time of arrival to the constant requests for stops to eat, drink, and use the restroom, for the driver the trip can be an excruciating adventure.
Moses is charged with leading the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. Like any parent trying to travel a long distance with children, he faces the same griping, complaining, and quarreling. (Apparently, this happens to everyone.) In his frustration, he turns to God asking for help. Thankfully, God’s patience wins out, and water is produced from a rock.
Sometimes, in our journeys of life, much like the people of Israel, we find ourselves in the complaint department with God. What’s happening in our lives is not up to the standard we’d like. The journey is too long. The way is not clear. We hunger and thirst for more. Our impatience runs high. Where is God in this?
Thankfully, as it was with Moses and the people of Israel, God remains patient, showing us the way, giving the food that nourishes and the living water that refreshes so that we can endure life’s journey. God doesn’t say the way will be easy. Rather, God promises to be with us along the way – eternally patient.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your presence with us along the way. Remind we when I am frustrated, confused, and lost that You are always ready to hear my concerns and patiently bear with me until I see, once again, Your way. Amen.