This coming Sunday our text will be Numbers 20 and 21 where we will take a closer look at grumbling. We see the continued pattern of Israel’s grumbling, in spite of the Lord’s deliverance, provision, and steadfast love. Two key events are covered: a second incident involving water from a rock (see also Ex 17); and the incident of poisonous snakes. In both cases the people grumble against the Lord and Moses: no water, the journey is hard, the food detestable. We even hear of a longing for their old way of life – which included slavery! There are some definite connections to Christ in both events. Water has symbolic importance throughout the bible (and Paul links Christ to the rock in 1 Corinthians 10), and the bronze serpent of Moses is directly referenced in John’s gospel. Be encouraged to look upon the Lord this week instead of your circumstances; but also know that even when we fail, the Lord is there with his forgiving grace!
(2) Key Passages
Day 1: Numbers 20:2-9
Day 4: Num 21:4-9
Day 2: Num 20:10-13
Day 5: John 4:13-14; John 7:37-39; John 19:34; Ephesians 5:26
