Wah, wah, wah! Somebody call a wahm-bulance! Why did we ever leave Egypt? Moses, why did you bring us to the wilderness to die? Where is this land flowing with milk and honey? We’re thirsty! It must have been tiresome for Moses to hear. And, while I’d like to think that I’d be Moses at this pity party, I know better — consider me part of the mob.

Hovering over the first part of Numbers 20 this morning and what I read yesterday in Romans 5 comes to mind. Even in the Old Testament, grace will reign.

Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that abundant water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

(Numbers 20:11 CSB)

Abundant water gushed out. That’s what grabbed my attention. That’s what made the connection with yesterday’s meditation. That’s what I’m chewing on. (Sipping on?)

Abundant water gushed forth from the rock and the community and their livestock drank. You better believe it was abundant — that’s thirst-quenching, life-sustaining drink for 2.5 million people and their animals. That’s a lot of water. But what is more amazing is that this is the “wahm-bulance” crowd. Those who, despite seeing the deliverance of God, repeatedly question the goodness and power of God. Over and over and over again. Good thing I’m not Moses in this picture or he’d be walking instead of watering. Instead, grace will reign. And God, in His mercy and patience, and for His intended glory, gives water to the whiners. Abundant water.

But wait, there’s more!

Moses struck the rock before more water than was needed came forth. He struck it. He was told to “speak to the rock” (20:8), but in his frustration with the people, Moses hauled up and whacked the silent stone repeatedly. A big deal? Yeah, a pretty big deal. So big it disqualified Moses and Aaron from crossing the finish line and entering the promised land (20:12, 24).

So, a severely disquieted people and a sorrowfully disqualified leader and still, grace will reign. Abundant water gushed out again. Overflowing grace was shown again.

And this guy in this chair is overwhelmed with appreciation and praise again.

Of God’s grace. For God’s glory.