GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?” 3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” 4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Exodus 17: 1-7 (NIV)

In last month’s article, we considered the journey that we have begun in response to the changes in the doctrine of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. You may also recall that many of us were at the congregational meeting back in September, where Session shared their conceptual plan for a way forward.

In these times of uncertainty and trepidation, the Scriptures provide us with opportunities to ponder and pray on how God will lead and direct us through the wilderness and on to the Promised Land. This particular passage from Exodus is not just about God providing water to a thirsty mob, for the book of Exodus documents that He had done this, and more, in the earlier portions of the Israelite’s journey. Might I suggest this passage is more about how God responds to us when we are thirsty and lost and it asks the question we are often afraid to ask, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

In asking this question, the Israelites are expressing doubt as to who is in charge of the situation. From their perspective, it is Moses who is in charge and responsible for their predicament; after all, he is right there in front of them. They fail to see God’s hand at all – both figuratively and literally.

As we journey together, there will be times where some will wonder just who is in charge. In developing the concept plan, the Session began their deliberations by affirming one very important statement: “That our purpose was the select a response that would be pleasing to the Lord.” Our aim was to ensure that we never lost sight of the fact that the Lord is in charge here, and we are but His hands and feet.

There is still much to be done, and there are many questions to be answered. Perhaps you are wondering if we are on the correct path; perhaps you are concerned that our course is being set by world-ly desires; or perhaps you’d rather not be on this journey at all.

Come walk alongside your Elder, the Pastor, or me; ask your questions, or air your concerns. Do it now; don’t wait until you are tired and thirsty. Trust that the Lord is in charge and know that

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58: 11 (NIV)

God Bless,

Donald