Trial and failure.
I. THE PURPOSE OF RECURRING TRIALS. Israel, tried before at Marah, is now led from the comforts of Elim to the thirsty land of Rephidim. They might have learned something of their own heart and of God's unfailing goodness, and now they are led hither that he may prove whether they will serve him or no. Trial comes that the teachings of truth may be changed into the convictions of trust.
II. ISRAEL'S CRIME.
1. It was not unbelief, but impious presumption. They demand water, believing that it can be produced. They regard themselves as having a right to the choicest of God's blessings. This presumptuous claim lies in the heart of all unbelief.
2. Their accusation of Moses and of God (Exodus 17:3). They have belief but no prayer, no trust, only strife and bitterness.
III. GOD'S LONG-SUFFERING.
1. Their murmuring is met with help. He might have proved himself to be among them by his judgments; but he gives them water from the flinty rock. Not till mercy has done her utmost is judgment let loose against his people.
2. He labours to establish their faith in himself. The elders are taken as witnesses, and the reek is smitten with the rod of God.
(Second sketch.)
I. A PICTURE OF THE SEEKERS AFTER MORAL IMPROVEMENT WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE PATHWAY OF FAITH.
1. Their unquenched thirst.
2. Their despair. It had been better for them, they say, that the desire to go forth had never been awakened; that the quest after a better country had never been entered upon.
3. Their cry, "Is the Lord among us or not?" Does God take thought of us? Is there a God? How often has youthful earnestness come to rest at last in the blankest unbelief!
II. A PICTURE OF CHRIST, THE ANSWER TO THE SEEKER'S NEED.
1. The living rock, the changeless one, the sure foundation.
2. How he is made to us the fountain of living waters: he is smitten by the rod of God on behalf of the sinful.
3. The water "followed them." Christ's consolations the one perennial stream for refreshment and strength.
4. How he may be found: by following the guidance of those who testify of him.—U.