Mulling over George Pope to Steve Asher 29 Nov 2005

SA>  GP> This second time God says "take up thine rod(ie. the same as last
SA>  GP> time) and speak to the rock" (a very subtle change in
verb. . . the
SA>  GP> fact he was told to take up the rod would make it seem obvious that
SA>  GP> a repeat performance was required!)
SA>
SA> No need to strike the rock for water a second time ... merely ask for
SA> the water of life & it will be provided.

 GP> Then just asking for the "water of life" should've been sufficient
 GP> the first time, eh?

The rock has a number of uses and meanings in scripture; striking the
rock brought forth the water of life, but there was no point in striking
the rock a second time - simply ask for the water of life by faith, and
it will be given.

The Rock can provide salvation, or it can be a stumbling stone for
those who reject it, as in Isaiah 8:13-15 ... Sanctify the Lord ...
and he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and
for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel ... and for a
snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem ... and many shall stumble,
and fall, and be broken ...

Or Isaiah 28:16 where the Lord God says he lays in Zion a foundation,
a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation...

Psalm 118:22-23 refers to the builders rejecting the stone which became
the head stone of the corner ... this is the Lord's doing ... it is
marvellous in our eyes.

Cheers, Steve..

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