But I’d Never Do That…..

When we are disobedient to God’s command, it’s just as if we rebelled out of an unbelieving heart. It’s as if we say, “God I love You, but I want my way. And I’m going to do it my way”. Moses did just this. He wasn’t thinking, “I must do it exactly how God commanded”, instead he let his emotions get the best of him and struck the rock with his staff. This made it seem like he was the one bringing water to the thirsty people. If he had spoken to the rock, as God instructed him to, he would’ve been able to enter into the “Promised Land”. You’re probably thinking, “yes, but I’d never do that”. Well my friend, how often do you go about making disciples on a daily basis? How much do you love your neighbor by giving of your time to support them? Do you forgive when you need to? How about ask for forgiveness when you wrong someone? How often are you in the Word? Do you love your enemies? These are commands of God. Never disassociate yourself with Moses, or any of the other biblical characters that were disobedient. Why? Because we are just like them. They are reminders of humility. Fortunately for us, we will get to see our “Promised Land”. And more than that, we will get to live there. Don’t take for granted God’s grace. Stay obedient to Him. Let go of your failures and your successes, because both will pull you away from God by toying with your pride. Stay focused on the prize, Jesus; the only One worthy of our gaze.

1 In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried.2 There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! 4 Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? 5 Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!”6 Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them, 7 and the Lord said to Moses, 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill.12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” 13 This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord, and there he demonstrated his holiness among them. Numbers 20:1-13