The great host of Israel had crossed the Red Sea, and had left Elim with its wells and palm trees, and now in the wilderness they can find no water to drink Fancy about three million people in a desert without water, and you will see how serious was their case.
You know very well, I am sure, that without water people must die. So that in the Bible we read a lot about water.
By nature we are in just such a case as the Israelites were. We need the water of life of which the Bible speaks.
Well, how was the water to be had for that great thirsty multitude? God told Moses to smite the rock with the rod—the rod of God as it is called. Moses did so, the waters gushed out, and Israel drank and lived.
Where is the living water to be found which our souls need? From the Rock—the Rock of Ages—Jesus, who was once smitten for our sins.
You remember He spoke of it to the woman at the well (John 4), and He offers it to every thirsty one, He says,
“Let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.
This water of life conies to us through His death. We have simply to take what he died to give us. Can you say—
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And now I live in Him?
If not, do you wish to be able to? Then go to Him, for He says,
“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6.
ML 09/01/1940