In Exodus 17:6, the story tells us about the people of Israel, who, newly freed from Egypt, were crossing the desert and facing many trials. At Rephidim, they began to grumble against Moses because they had no water to drink, doubting God’s presence and provision. In response, God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, promising that water would flow from it to satisfy the people. Moses obeyed, struck the rock, and water gushed out abundantly, meeting the needs of everyone.

The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus wrote that the rock at Horeb was so massive it could not be moved. Recent discoveries suggest that this rock is between 40 and 60 feet tall, with a smooth interior marked by grooves that clearly show evidence of water erosion.

Thousands of years ago, when Moses struck the rock at Horeb, God was revealing a prophetic image of the cross.

The Bible teaches us that Christ is that Rock (1 Corinthians 10:2-4). Just as Moses—a flawed man—struck the rock, Jesus would also be struck, humiliated, and wounded by sinners to offer us forgiveness for our sins.

The rock at Horeb was split, and abundant water flowed from it. In the same way, Jesus’ body was broken: His hands and feet were pierced by nails, a crown of thorns pierced His head, and His blood flowed on the cross to offer us forgiveness.

Just as the abundant water from the rock quenched the people’s thirst, the forgiveness Jesus offers is abundant and free.

Are you thirsty for that water? Jesus said: “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

If you are thirsty for this water, I invite you to come to Jesus. He promised that whoever drinks of His water will never thirst again.

The Bible also teaches that Jesus is the cornerstone: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22).

The cornerstone is the foundation, the base. Everything else is built around it. Are you building your life on Jesus, or are you building it on something else?

Returning to the Old Testament…

Although Moses led the people of Israel and guided them through the desert for 40 years, he did not enter the Promised Land. Do you know why?

In Numbers 20:7-12, we find that much later, the people of Israel faced a similar situation: they had no water and began complaining against Moses and Aaron, longing for the days in Egypt. This time, God gave Moses a new instruction: he was to speak to the rock so that water would flow from it. However, frustrated by the people’s constant grumbling, Moses struck the rock again instead of speaking to it.

This was his grave mistake: the rock was never meant to be struck twice.

The Bible teaches that Jesus’ sacrifice was unique and sufficient. It only took once. Before Jesus, animal sacrifices had to be offered repeatedly to atone for the sins of the people. But Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was perfect and final.

Now, all you have to do is come to the Rock and speak to Him.

Jesus is ready to listen to you, forgive you, and quench your soul with the water of eternal life.