“They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts, he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and water gushed out.” Isaiah 47:21
Happy Thanksgiving friends! This weekend we follow the traditions of our American ancestors in offering thanks and if you’re like me you have been VERY blessed! Did you know that big moment in the story of Christians' spiritual ancestors gave them great reason for an attitude of gratitude? It took place while they were encamped in the desert near Mount Sinai and their God provided water for them from a rock. In Exodus 17 the Bible explains that the Lord told Moses to stand at the Rock of Horeb (also called Sinai) and “strike” the rock with his staff. When he did so, Isaiah explained that the rock “split” and water “gushed” forth (Isaiah 48:21). What an incredible act of provision on the part of our AMAZING Savior! This miracle most notable foreshadowed the then-coming Christ who split the veil of the temple and produces living water from his broken body on the cross. What you may not know, however, is that Jabal al-Lawz (the believed site of the real Mount Sinai in northwest Saudi Arabia) showcases an incredible megalith closely resembling the rock described by Moses in Exodus. The split rock, pictured in the photo, stands about two hundred feet tall atop a huge base of rubble. It’s so large that people can pass through the cleft at the base. It even has strong evidence of ancient water erosion and smoothing coming from the gap! The Rock at Horeb is only one of many striking similarities between this ancient site and the Biblical account. If you'd like a longer academic assessment of these truth claims, check out the book or video series by Mount Sinai in Arabia by Joel Richardson, also linked in the description. Most importantly, take heart that the events described in the Bible are LITERAL and TRUE!! You can trust God’s Word as it describes history AND as it provides a way for your salvation in Jesus. Believe in his name today and take upon yourself an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving weekend. God bless!
Application:
What does the ancient Biblical site of the split rock at Sinai mean to your faith?
Have you ever struggled to believe the Bible? What do modern archaeological finds like this say to you about God’s truthfulness and his Word?
What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend? Can you name one time when God provided for you out of a hard situation or a “rock”?
