Is anyone thirsty?

Jonathan Fleming March 16, 2025 4 1

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Exodus 17: 1-7 (NRSVA)

1 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarrelled with Moses, and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?’ 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?’ 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.’ 5 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.’ Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarrelled and tested the Lord, saying, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’

Many of us have had our faith tested at some point… I wonder what it was like for the Israelites, journeying through the wilderness, their throats parched and their faith at breaking point. It is thirst that drives them to grumble against Moses, questioning God’s presence among them. And how does God respond, He instructs Moses to strike a rock, bringing forth water to sustain His people!

We all experience moments of thirst — not just for water, but for purpose, peace, and the presence of God. When we struggle, it is easy to question whether God is truly with us. Like the Israelites, there are times when we doubt, complain, or seek fulfilment in the wrong places. And yet, this story reminds us that God is always aware of our needs and provides for us, even in the wilderness.

While physical thirst is real, our deeper longing is for God’s presence and guidance. May we continue to seek God, who quenches our spiritual thirst and strengthens us for the journey ahead.

Let us pray…

Good and Gracious God,

You are the source of living water, the One who satisfies our deepest thirst.
In times of drought and doubt, remind us of Your presence.
Just as You provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness,
sustain us with Your love and grace.

Forgive us when we grumble, forgetting Your faithfulness.
Help us to trust that You will provide for our needs in ways beyond our understanding.
When we thirst for peace, quench us with Your Spirit.
When we thirst for purpose, guide us with Your wisdom.
When we thirst for You, draw us near and fill us with Your presence.

Lord, we lift up those who thirst today,
those longing —
for hope,
for justice,
for relief from suffering.
May we be instruments of Your provision, offering compassion and love to those in need.

We rest in the promise that You are with us, even in the driest seasons.
May our hearts remain open to Your living water,
so that we may be refreshed and pour out Your love to others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.