A “through the bible” devotion from Numbers 20.
“I’m so angry I could…” Spit. Scream. Explode. Everyone has a favorite way to finish that sentence. Unfortunately, reacting in anger or frustration rarely serves us well.
I think Moses was perturbed when he had to deal with grumpy people demanding water. Again. “What are we doing out here in the middle of nowhere? We’re all going to die.” I wonder if Moses rolled his eyes? Come on. God provided before. God will provide this time, too. Haven’t you learned anything?
God’s instructions to Moses are simple. Speak to the rock and water will come out. There will be plenty to drink for everyone.
Not far from the end of his rope, Moses says, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock (Numbers 20:10,11).
It sounds like another happy ending until God says, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” (20:12).
No one saw that coming. But when Moses takes control of that moment, he robs God of his glory. The consequences are severe. At the end of the journey, Moses will not be entering the promised land with everyone else. He loses that ultimate reward for one brief moment in the spotlight.
Today I heard a pastor say, “Don’t give up something you want for something that feels good.” In the moment, though, it’s easy to take our eye off the prize.
Waite for it... 