Author: A Cameron

As Israel wondered through the wilderness those forty years God always provided their necessities. They were not always happy with the menu, but God was faithful. Interestingly, there were two special cases in which God provided them water from a rock. On the first occasion He instructed Moses to smite the rock and he obeyed (Ex 17:6). However, on the second occasion his instructions were to speak to the rock (Num 20:8). Instead, Moses smote the rock as he had before. He disobeyed God and lost his passage into the Promised Land. While this was certainly discouraging for Moses, he may not have realized the significance of the rock he had smitten. The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that this rock was Christ (1 Cor 10:4).

In the omniscient mind of God, He used this rock as a shadow of His Son. Just as the rock was smitten unjustly so was the Son of God (Matt 26:67). That smitten rock brought forth water abundantly for the people. Christ taught that He was the water of life (Rev 21:6). Furthermore, Israel had to make the decision and effort to drink the water presented before them. For those who desire to drink of Christ’s water today, they must decide to drink of it as well. Another consideration would be the point in which the water flowed. There was no water for Israel until it was smitten. Although Christ was on Earth in the flesh, salvation was not available until He was smitten likewise. Considering these comparisons certainly explains why Paul would describe that rock as Christ. Christ is the Rock of Ages who was smitten for the salvation of all who will accept it.

One of the most well-known Messianic prophecies is found in the fifty third chapter of Isaiah. The prophet foretells the suffering, the rejection, the scourging, and even the burden of sin Christ would endure on the cross. However, there is a phrase often overlooked by Christians that is commonly noted by the skeptics of our Lord. Isaiah wrote, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7a, emp added). Obviously this cannot be taken literally as if He would not drink, eat, or even breathe through His mouth between the garden and the cross. We know this has reference to His speech, but skeptics are quick to remind us that Christ spoke several times from the garden to the cross. Does this prove the Bible is errant or that Christ wasn’t really the Messiah?

When the prophet Isaiah referenced Christ not opening His mouth He didn’t mean He would not speak a single word during His trials and crucifixion. Instead, Isaiah was referencing that Christ would not speak freely in giving a defense for Himself. If we compare Christ with men like Philip, Peter, and Paul we notice a significant difference in the amount of words used during their trials. Any other man would speak out to defend himself and attempt to have his charges dropped. Clearly Christ had more of a defense than in man ever had or ever will have. Yet, He chose to simply respond to their questions and speak God’s Word to a few individuals along the way (Matthew 27:11, Luke 23:43). In fact, there were times He chose not to speak at all (Matt 26:62-63). He didn’t freely speak out to defend Himself or argue with his oppressors, nor did He call twelve legions of angels. What a powerful display of submission to God and love for mankind!

King Saul, being powered by envy, chased David day after day seeking to take his life. After having to deter from his mission in order to deal with the Philistines he inquired of David’s whereabouts to begin his pursuit again (1 Sam 24:1). What Saul didn’t realize is that God had promised David to deliver Saul into his hands (1 Sam 24:4). As Saul was searching for David he paused for a moment to enter a cave in order to “cover his feet” (1 Sam 24:3). This seems to imply he went in to rest. Therefore, Saul separated himself to enter the cave alone as his men stood watch. This was God’s providence at work because this was the exact cave David was hiding in. And so God tells David that His promised is fulfilled and he may do with him as he pleased. David’s decision was one of great compassion and restraint. Instead of taking Saul’s life, which he had authority to do, he cut off a piece of Saul’s skirt in the darkness in response to his good and tender heart (1 Sam 24:5).
Once Saul left the cave David followed him out and announced his presence. He revealed the situation that had just presented itself and proved to Saul he meant no harm by showing him the piece of his skirt (1 Sam 24:11). As angry as Saul had been at David this act of kindness changed his heart. Saul immediately recognized David’s good amidst all of his own evil (1 Sam 24:17). Instead of killing David, Saul blessed him as the future king and left from pursuing him altogether. This account reveals again the power of kindness. One act of kindness towards a stranger or even an enemy can change hearts for good. Remember to put kindness into practice every opportunity that presents itself. Use kindness as though it were the hand of Midas turning hearts to gold with its touch.