Why Tempt Ye the Lord?

Pastor Hilton preaches from Exodus 17:2-7, where the children of Israel chide with Moses for water, prompting Moses to strike the rock at God's command. The place is named Massah and Meribah, meaning temptation and strife. The congregation is asked why they tempt the Lord despite His proven faithfulness. The people had witnessed miracles—the parting of the Red Sea, manna from heaven—yet they murmured out of thirst and discomfort, questioning whether God was among them. This temptation arose not from direct words but from a cynical heart, as Psalm 78:18 notes they tempted God in their heart by asking for meat for their lust. Pastor Hilton stresses that God tests His people to prove them, as with Abraham, and to humble them, as Deuteronomy 8 shows. God has never failed, so there is zero reason to tempt Him. The sermon warns that murmuring can lead to destruction, as in Numbers 21 where serpents came. The appeal is to stop questioning God's care, trust His provision, and lift eyes beyond personal needs to the harvest of souls. Even when doubts arise, approach God directly rather than murmuring among others. God answers the thirsty with water from the rock, proving He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.