In the Old Testament, when the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness, they often found themselves in desperate situations—hungry, tired, and thirsty. At one point, they were so thirsty they feared they would die. But God told Moses to strike a rock, and from it came water—enough to satisfy the whole nation (see Exodus 17:1–7).

At first glance, this may seem like just another miracle. But the Apostle Paul tells us something incredible in 1 Corinthians 10:4: “The Rock was Christ.” In other words, that rock in the wilderness wasn’t just a physical source of water—it was a sign pointing to Jesus.

Just as the rock was struck to provide life-giving water, so Jesus was struck for us—on the cross—to give us eternal life. He is the true and better Rock, our unshakable foundation, and the One who satisfies the deepest thirst of our souls.

This verse reminds us that Christ has always been present with His people—even in the Old Testament. He didn’t just show up in the New Testament. He was with Israel in the wilderness. He was sustaining them, providing for them, and protecting them—even when they grumbled and doubted.

And He does the same for us today. In the dry places of life—when we feel spiritually empty, tired, or unsure—Christ is still the Rock we can cling to. He is firm when everything else shifts. He is faithful when we are weak. And He offers living water to quench the thirst in our souls (John 4:14).

So when life feels like a wilderness, don’t look for hope in temporary things. Come to the Rock. Trust in Jesus. He has been faithful in the past, and He will be faithful to the end.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, my Rock and my Redeemer,
Thank You for being with Your people throughout history—and thank You for being with me now. You are the solid foundation under my feet when life feels uncertain. You are the living water that satisfies my heart when I’m dry and weary.

Forgive me for the times I look elsewhere for help or try to stand on things that can’t hold me. Teach me to run to You. Remind me daily that You were struck for my salvation, and that in You I will never thirst again.

Help me to trust You in the wilderness and rejoice in You in the promised land. You are my Rock, my strength, and my salvation.

In Your name I pray,
Amen.