Mercy still flows.
In the Bible, things happen that are sometimes really hard to understand.
Definitions can be given, but are the words and stories embodied? Do we allow God to expand our imagination, to realize the truths of what He has done?
Some of the stories are so opposite and upside-down of what the world teaches us… that life flows from death… grace and the greatest gift you could ever be given comes from nothing you could achieve.
Maybe you’re like me, and maybe you struggled with, “Am I really forgiven for that thing?”
His one sacrifice is enough — for everything you’ve ever done, are doing, and will do.
Another moment in the Bible that takes time to digest is when Moses strikes the rock.
The people are thirsty. Not metaphorically. Not spiritually poetic.
Their mouths are dry. Their kids are crying. Their bodies are failing.
And God tells Moses to do something odd. “Strike the rock.”
A rock isn’t supposed to give water.
You don’t ask it nicely. You don’t reason with it. You have to hit it.
Moses raises his staff. The rock is struck. And water pours out.
Enough water for everyone.
Kids drink. Parents drink. Even the ones who complained drink.
Provision flowed when the rock was struck.
Years later, the Israelites find themselves in the same position. They are desperate to drink.
Same people. Same fear. Same thirst.
But this time, God gives a different instruction.
“Speak to the rock.”
No striking. No force. Just trust.
But Moses is tired - He’s angry - He’s human.
So he strikes the rock again. Water still flows—because God is kind. But something breaks that day.
Not the rock. The picture. Because that rock was never just a rock.
The Bible tells us later—quietly, almost casually:
“That Rock was Christ.” And suddenly everything changes. The first time the rock was struck, it was a prophecy. The second time, it was a mistake.
Because Christ would only be struck once.
Fast forward. Jesus is lifted up. Not on a stage.
On a cross.
A soldier pierces His side. And something unexpected happens. “Blood and water flow out.”
Water symbolizing new life and creation. Blood revealing the atonement and sacrifice.
From the side of Jesus and His death comes new life and redemption.
Reality.
The same pattern. The same truth.
But this time, it’s not a staff.
It’s a spear. And this time, the Rock doesn’t resist.
He receives it.
New life was given because our God willingly bore the wounds Himself.
God did what we never could. He stepped in, and He still steps in.
He is with us. Fighting for us. God is with and for us. Not against us.
Every time we:
punish ourselves again or hold ourselves in prisons of guilt.
replay our shame.
believe we need to suffer more to be forgiven.
believe that God needs more proof.
We’re picking up the staff. We’re striking the Rock again.
But Jesus does not bleed twice.
He was struck once so you don’t have to keep imprisoning yourself.
Christ came to set us free from sin, death, guilt, shame and so much more.
He brings us into communion with Himself - His greatest gift.
The fountain of God still flows not because you try harder, but because He already gave everything.
You don’t have to be perfect for Jesus to love you.
You don’t have to be good enough for Him to help you.
You can come thirsty.
You don’t need to punish yourself to prove sincerity.
You don’t need to relive your worst moments to stay humble.
You don’t need to earn what was already finished.
Now, something beautiful happens.
After the cross, we are never told to strike the Rock again.
Because from the side of Christ flowed grace that covers all sin.
Jesus never needs to be resacrificed.
Christ was struck once. Fully, finally, and freely, so you no longer have to bleed to believe you are forgiven.
We are told to come and drink.
To ask. To trust. To receive. To love.
Not violence. Not striving. Not fear.
Just thirst. For Christ. His presence. His goodness.
Him.
I pray you fall more in love with God than you could imagine.
That you love people in radical Christ-like ways
And God reveals His wonderful thoughts to You afresh and anew today.
