Lent Readings
- First Reading: Exodus 17:1-7 (Water from the rock at Rephidim).
- Psalm: Psalm 95 (Let us sing to the Rock of our salvation).
- Second Reading: Romans 5:1-11 (Reconciled to God by Christ’s death).
- Gospel: John 4:5-42 (Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well).
Pressure exposes what we trust most. In Exodus 17:1–7 the people hit breaking point. Thirsty, tired, unsure. Instead of turning to God, they tested Him. They questioned His love for them. They pushed the blame outward rather than looking inward.
Lent invites us to a different path.
It is a season to strengthen devotion rather than test it.
A time to take responsibility for our heart and our growth.
Not by proving ourselves worthy, but by creating space to trust God again, and again.
At Meribah the people denied that responsibility. They let fear do the talking. They said, “Is the Lord among us or not?” This was a cry shaped by panic, not faith. They wanted God to prove Himself before they would trust Him. But trust never grows that way.
Lent flips the question.
Instead of, “God, are You faithful?” we ask, “Lord, help me trust You again.”
Instead of testing God, we allow testing to strengthen us.
Are you experiencing pressure? Where might frustration or fear be tempting you to question God’s nearness? These are our Meribah moments which can become our opportunities. These are the moments to practise trust, to look to Jesus, and let Him shape what happens next.
In Him,
Jason