Rephidim

Exodus 17:1

“The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.”

I can remember when the kids were young and we had chosen to go on a long trip in the car. My wife and I knew where were going and set off excited to get there, but when the kids started to grumble and complain the trip got harder. They did not comprehend the destination and if they did, they had no clue as to how long it was going to take to get there. Grumbling and complaining was the reaction when the drive was too long they had to sit still way too long.

The Israelites were traveling in the desert and came to place called Rephidim. Worn out from traveling in the desert they were thirsty and wanted something to drink. Instead of asking Moses, the Bible tells us that they quarreled with Moses about where to find water. Once again they refer to Egypt as being a better place for them instead of this wilderness. Moses cries out to the Lord and asks what to do because they are ready to stone him. The Lord tells Moses to take some of the elders of Israel along with his staff and go to the rock at Horeb, strike it, and water will come out. Obeying the Lord, Moses did this and the Lord gave the people all the water they needed.

Not getting too comfortable with the miracle of water from the rock, they find themselves being attacked by the Amalekites at the same place. Moses tells Joshua to select some men and go fight them. Moses went to the top of hill and held his hands up to the Lord. As long as his hands were up, Israel was winning. Moses was 80 something years old so when he got tired, Aaron and Hur held up his arms until the battle was won. He called the place, “The Lord is my banner” because hands were lifted up against the Lord and the Lord won the battle.

What a crazy set circumstances all in the same place. What originally began as a stop in the desert because of their thirst, turned into a miracle of water from a rock and a glorious victory over Israel’s enemies. Once we got to the destination on our long road trip the girls went nuts with excitement. All the complaining was gone and happiness took its place. If you find yourself in a tough place after a long journey, all tired and worn out, remember that God is not done yet. There is more to the story.

All those problems that were hard to deal with set up the Israelites for a double whammy of miracles. If you find yourself in a similar position you might want to stop, pray, and know that God has not left you in that place to fail. He is setting you up for a double whammy of miracles. Today might be your Rephidim.