MISSION GROUP QUESTIONS FROM EXODUS: PEOPLE OF PILGRIMAGE - 23/8/09

Yesterday Matt took us through Exodus 17.1-7 and the story of the water coming from the Rock. We looked at the story in 3 ways.

(1) THE OBVIOUS STORY. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10.1-13 that the Israelites are an example and a warning of what NOT to do as the people of God. The Israelites had hardened their hearts which meant they grumbled and complained against God and his leader, Moses.

(2) THE SUBTLE STORY. The Israelites wanted punishment. They were bringing a charge against Moses for bringing them into the desert where they would die.  God tells Moses that he will stand on the rock and Moses is to strike the rock. God takes the punishment on himself. 1 Corinthians 10.4 tells us that Christ was the rock. Christ takes the punishment as years later on the cross he cries out “I am thirsty (John 19.28).”

(3) THE PROFOUND STORY. Jesus in John 7.37-39 stands up and says “if anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink.” Not only is Jesus the real rock which takes the punishment, he gives us the real water that satisfies us - the Holy Spirit. Jesus offers each of us the gift, the presence and the drenching of the Holy Spirit so that we can have a real experience of God and be equipped to live the life God calls us to. The only prerequisite is that you say to God “I’m thirsty”!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

(1) Meditate on Psalm 42 and how David thirsted for God in his spiritual desert. Use this as a prayer to God for your own life.

(2) Pray together that God would fill and empower you with the Holy Spirit - that you would “taste that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34.8)

(3) Read 1 Corinthians 10.1-13 and discuss how Paul applies the Israelite story to the Corinthians and we can apply the Israelite story to our lives.

(4) When and why do you find that you grumble and complain (at God or other people)? If so, how do Jesus’ words in John 7.37-39 and Jesus’ experience in John 19.28-37 help you?

(5) Do you feel that the suffering and “wilderness experiences” in your life have meant you have hardened your heart to God? If so ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart so that you can (a) trust God again and (b) taste his goodness and know the joy of salvation once again.