The River of Living Water (John 7:31-52)

[Sung Psalm: 72]

Paul will point out in 1 Corinthians 10 that the people of Israel "drank from that spiritual rock that followed them – and that rock was Christ."

How can Paul say "that rock was Christ"? Well, think back to the Exodus. Moses has just led Israel out of Egypt. They are in the wilderness. They have no water. The people complain (they are not grumbling yet – just complaining!). And God says that Moses should take the staff with which he struck the Nile – the staff of judgment with which God had struck Egypt with the plagues – God says,

"take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink." (Ex 17:5-6)

I will stand on the rock. You strike the rock and water will come out.

Why did Paul say "that rock was Christ"? Strike me – and living water will flow to my people!