Moses was commanded in the Exodus to hit the rock for water the first time and speak to it the second time. Why? The rock represented the Rock Jesus, who was to be smitten only once. In the same way Israel was not to bring a blemished sacrifice for Jesus would be an unblemished sacrifice. Obedience was important because OT symbolism was important. We now live on the other side of that. Our Rock has come; the perfect Lamb has been offered. We now get water from the Rock and atonement from the Lamb, who is worthy. As they sinned by distorting the symbolism through disobedience, we sin by distorting the Messiah and shaping Him to fit our institutions instead of His ruling Kingdom.
Father, thank you for the gift of your Son. Teach us by Your Spirit to appropriate in our lives all He is and all He came to accomplish in us. Amen!
