[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG
During this season of reflection
and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us
as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]
After
arriving at Kadesh, The LORD said to Moses,
“Take the staff and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together.
Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. . . Then
Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out
. . . But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in Me
enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring
this community into the land I give them. Numbers 20:1-13 NIV
Nearly 40 years before, the
Israelites arrive at this same place, Kadesh, after their
rescue from Egypt. Their fear and disobedience cost them more years in the
desert. Now, a new generation stands on the edge of finally entering the
Promised Land. Yet, in all this time of God’s daily provision, they still complain
about being in the desert. Forgetting their parents’ disobedience, they blame Moses, and quarrel about water.
Moses
asks the Lord’s guidance and receives specific instructions. As Moses returns
to the people, his anger rises at their contention and discord. In this moment,
Moses strikes the rock – twice – and water comes. The problem is that God told
Moses to “speak” to the rock. God is doing this miracle, but Moses is taking
the credit. Now Moses stands before God and is told he will not enter the Promised Land. Moses is the leader, the model
for the nation, and he had not shown God honor in his disobedience. This place was known as the waters of
Meribah, because it was where the people of Israel argued with the LORD, and
where He demonstrated His holiness among them.
When
we do not rely on God, but allow emotions to tarnish God’s holiness, we can
become self-righteous. In our disobedience we do not honor God. Like the
Israelites, our continued sinful behavior, after God’s repeated provision and
promise, shows a lack of trust. In our rebellion and enmity, we bear the mark
of Meribah. We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and if we desecrate
His temple, we do not bring honor to God who is Sovereign and Holy.
- Read Numbers 20:1-13, make a list of the people’s actions. How are you like them?
- List Moses’ actions; list God’s responses. Do others see you trusting God?
Mighty One, forgive my foolish, self-centered focus. Remind me of Your generous Provisions. I desire to give You honor and glory. Increase my trust in You. – dho
All rights
reserved ~ used with permission of the author
Copyright 2013
by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author
For more
information about this ministry visit ~
“May you be
blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”
