In Numbers 20, the Israelites have been wandering for 37 years. Reactions to life's situations and struggles are a pretty good indication of spiritual maturity. God has come through for them again and again, but they still aren't able to trust Him. They continue the cycle of God giving them instruction, they disobey and face punishment, Moses and Aaron intercede, and...repeat! This is the sin cycle. This is what Jesus does for us every day. He intercedes for our forgiveness, grace, and mercy and breaks the cycle of sins in our lives. The Israelites are back at Kadesh and are thirsty. They again grumble and complain and Moses and Aaron go to God. God gives clear instructions to speak to the rock and it will bring forth water but Moses instead strikes the rock twice. He didn't trust and follow God's instruction fully. God still brought forth water for His people in all His holy grace and mercy. We may not get things perfectly, but God gives us His grace and mercy through Jesus when we bring all our imperfections to Him and lay them on the cross. The rock in this image is like Jesus. He paid the price for every bit of our sin, shame, and guilt and all that is needed to receive the Living Water is to speak your faith. Repent. There is no longer striking or sacrifice needed. Jesus took every strike for us in our place - He took our cross from our lives. We are free from sin and all of sin's consequences when we place our faith in Jesus.
