The Rock Which Was Smitten, Out of Which Came Water, Was a Type of Christ

    Ex 17.

    "And that Rock was Christ," viz., a Figure of him, 1Co 10:4.

    I. IT was a Rock, which in appearance is dry and barren, and a very unlikely thing to afford water. So Christ in his outward state, in the days of his flesh, seemed very unlikely to carnal eyes, to afford such spiritual waters of grace and salvation.

    II. It seemed wonderful, that it should send forth water in such abundance. So Jesus Christ to the wonder of men and angels, sends forth the water of life in abundance to all those that believe on him.

    III. That Rock sent forth its water to the people of Israel, when they were ready to perish for thirst, there being no way to relieve them. So Christ refreshes the souls of poor sinners that come unto him, when they can find no help, comfort, or refreshment any where else, but without him must perish eternally. "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins," Joh 8:24.

    IV. The Rock was smitten before it yielded water. So Jesus Christ was smitten of old, and crucified, that his precious blood might be poured forth, to consummate the redemption of our souls.

    V. The Rock was smitten for a rebellious people, who murmured against God, and who deserved no such grace and favour from him. So Christ was slain for us, who were rebels and enemies to him by evil works, who deserved nothing but his eternal wrath and displeasure.

    VI. The water out of that Rock followed the children of Israel, through the wilderness, over all hills and valleys, unto Canaan; all the dryness of that dry and barren desert could not dry it up. So the Waters of life streaming from Christ, that sacred Rock, follow the true Israel of God, quite through the wilderness of this world, until they come to the heavenly Canaan; yea, all the persecutions and temptations in the world, whatsoever, cannot dry it up.