“He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers” (Psalm 78:16 ESV).
According to the inscription, Psalm 78 was written by the Levite priest, prophet, poet and singer, Asaph, who was appointed chief of the worship leaders by King David (1 Chron. 16:5). In Psalm 78, the Lord inspired Asaph to write an account of the lessons of the past, so that future generations might not forget what God had done for the people of Israel. The psalm focused on the way God led Israel out of Egypt and provided for them through the wilderness years.
In Asaph’s recounting of God’s miraculous provision, he paid particular attention to the rock from which God brought forth water in the dessert This was the “rock at Horeb” which God told Moses to strike with his staff, so that water would come forth (Ex. 17:6). This water flowed in such great quantity that it flowed like a river!
Inspired of the Spirit, the apostle Paul wrote of this rock saying, “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:6). Consider the ways in which this “Rock” points to Christ:
1) It was singular, “the rock at Horeb.” Christ is singular and unique. There is no other like Him.
2) It was struck. As Moses struck the rock, so Christ was stricken for our sins. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted” (Isa. 53:4).
3) From it flowed a river of water. The apostle John wrote that he saw a sudden flow of “blood and water” pour forth from Jesus’ side when pierced by the Roman soldier.
4) Those who drank from it, lived. Jesus told the woman at the well that if she asked Him, then He would give her “living water” that welled “up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Those who drink from the Rock that is Christ, will live forever.
Have you drank from the Rock that is Christ?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for your provision through Christ. May we always remember to drink from him for life and sustenance. And may we always offer his living water to those who are thirsty. In Jesus’ name, amen.