All the congregation of the people of Israel moved on from the wilderness of Sin by stages, according to the commandment of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” ...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.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel.

A few weeks, at the most later, and the people have forgotten. Well, grumbling worked the last time, let's try it again. It is obvious that the fear of the LORD is a surface reaction. The might and power of the LORD, God the Almighty has not soaked in.

The water flowed from the rock, bringing to mind the woman at the well to whom Jesus promised living water (John 4:10-11) and His promise to us that we will become rivers of living water. (John 7:38)

One of the lessons to learn here is that the Fear of the LORD is not something that wears off. It is a permanent transformation guided by the Holy Spirit to draw His people closer to Him and to use us as His fountains.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 25

Mid-day: 119:25-32

Evening: Psalm 100

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.