“You and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. . . . You will bring water out of the rock for the community.” (Num. 20:8)
Expanded Passage: Numbers 20:8
Minimalism is on the rise. Many people, in North American culture especially, are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with “stuff.” It seems that the more we have, the more we are burdened by it. A backpacking trek across Europe sounds romantic and adventurous—unless a heavily-weighted burden restricts movement and speed, thus eliminating freedom. Similarly, we are weighted by mortgage payments, car payments, unnecessary obligations, and our need to keep up with others. The line between want and need separates slavery from freedom.
God is in the business of doing much with little. In this passage, he did just that. His people were desperate, so he provided. This should not be surprising. Even though the Israelites went to their leaders full of rage, God provided. This passage foreshadows Christ, the Rock who would pour forth the living water. This water is always at our disposal, but it is not always visible.
Moses and Aaron had to balance the demands of the people against God’s character. The demands of leadership are often tempered by the demands of the people, but this should not be so. The demands of leadership should first be informed by the demands of God. We do not need more stuff. We do not need our appetites sated or our desires quenched. We need more of him. How desperately our generation needs to accept this truth.
God knows what you need before you ask, so trust him today.
Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK).
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
