0306. THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST.

THAT ROCK WAS CHRIST.

1Co_10:4.

The rock in Horeb was a type of Christ, the apostle calls it "that spiritual Rock." From that spiritual Rock we may learn some deep spiritual lessons.

I. That Rock was in a Dry and Barren Place. Horeb means dry or empty. It was in the wilderness, a barren place, and itself, a seemingly hopeless help. Christ was in the world, but the world knew Him not. "When we shall see Him there is no beauty that we should desire Him" (Isa_53:2). "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (Joh_1:46).

II. That Rock was a Native of the Desert. It was but one of many, with no apparently outstanding characteristics. Jesus was so like His fellowmen that when He was in a crowd one had to say, "Which is He?" He was born of a woman, and "made in the likeness of sinful flesh" (Rom_8:3).

III. That Rock was Chosen by God. "The rock that I will show thee." The rock to be smitten was appointed by Him. Jesus Christ is the chosen of God. "This is My beloved Son, hear ye Him" (Mat_3:17).

IV. That Rock was God-Possessed. "Behold I will stand upon the rock" (Exo_17:6). Here lay the secret of its riches and ability to supply the wants of the thirsty Israelites. God was in Christ. "The Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (Joh_5:17).

V. That Rock was Full of Unseen Blessing. A most unlikely place. Can any good come out of a rock? But according to the infinite mercy and fullness of God there were fathomless depths of blessing here. How like the Son of God. "All fullness is in Him" (Joh_1:14). He says, "If any man thirst let him come unto Me" (Joh_7:37).

VI. That Rock was Smitten. "Smite the rock." Reminding us of similar words, "Smite the Shepherd" (Zec_13:7). The rock was smitten by a rod. The rod of judgment fell on Christ. It was smitten not for itself, but for the salvation of the people, sinful and discontented. He suffered for us, the Just for the unjust.

VII. That Rock gave out its Treasures after it was Smitten. Even the smiter could drink of its mercy. The smiting of Jesus with the reed and the spear was the opening of the fountain for sin and uncleanness. Even those smiters could drink of the stream. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luk_23:34). His death was the death of our sins and the life of our souls.

VIII. That Rock Followed Them. "They drank of that spiritual rock which followed them." They shall thirst no more surely, who have such a supply accompanying them day by day in their wilderness wanderings. "The water that I shall give him shall be in him" (Joh_4:14). The presence of Jesus with us is as a well springing up in the heart. "Lo, I am with you alway" (Mat_28:20). This spiritual Rock is still following us. Drink ye all of it.

Autor: James Smith