The third window of the Moses triplet has manna, quail, water flowing from a rock and a staff with a serpent on it.  All of these symbols recall the trials of the Israelites, while wondering the desert for 40 years.  The Israelites experienced a shortage of food and water, as well as a plague of venomous snakes.  It was in these trials of their daily lives that God was testing the faith of Moses and the people.  While most of the people complained and lost faith in God during these difficult times, Moses remained faithful.  This steadfast faith and obedience in God was rewarded.  God sent food in the form of manna and quail.  Manna was like a mushroom that grew on trees.  (Ex 16, Num 11)

    God also relieved their thirst by bringing water from the rock.  This occurred at a place called Meribah, which means “complaining” and recalls the stubbornness and lack of faith of the Israelites.  (Ex 17, Num 20)

    The staff with a bronze snake on it represented God’s healing power.  When the people who were bitten by snakes looked on this image, God healed them.  (Num 21)

    At the conclusion of the 40 years in the desert, the Israelites were led into the promised land.  The only remaining part of the three fold promise to Abraham remaining to be fulfilled is the blessing for all nations.  The next set of windows will reveal the fulfillment of that third part of the promise to Abraham.  (Joshua 1-24)
 

Introduction
Abraham ( 1   2   3)  Readings/Reflections
Moses     ( 1   2   3)   Readings/Reflections
Jesus        (1   2   3)   Readings/Reflections
Church     (1   2   3)   Readings/Reflections
Conclusion