Numbers 20
Scripture
Numbers 20:12
“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.”
Observation-What does it say?
In this chapter, it is revealed why God didn’t allow Moses and his brother Aaron to enter the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey. The people had been grumbling and complaining to the leaders about various things throughout their journey in the wilderness and one of the things was that they were thirsty. God offered a solution to the problem, but Moses took credit for himself AND did not follow God’s instructions completely. In verses 10-11, Moses did not mention God as the One who would provide the water. Instead, he said, “ must WE bring you water out of this rock? (Verse 10). Also, God told Moses to speak to the rock, NOT strike it 2 times with the staff. (Verse 11).
Understanding-What does it mean?
The interesting thing is that even through Moses and Aaron’s disobedience, God still provided water for the Israelites. Moses and Aaron just weren’t allowed to enter the Promised Land as a consequence of their disobedience.
God desires COMPLETE obedience and to be given the honor and glory for it all; not to give the honor and glory to ourselves when miracles, successes, healings, and provision happens.
Life Application
Not everyone should desire to be a teacher or leader. It’s not about the attention of being on stage or having a title or having authority over people, because God judges us more harshly (James 3:1). I’m thankful to be under the leadership of 2 amazing Pastors (Pastor Gary Khan and Pastor Levi Thompson) who have servants’ hearts.
The 3 lessons that I personally take away from this passage are:
-Stop grumbling against God’s appointed leaders, especially during wilderness times/experiences. Trust and obey God through it all, just like Pastor spoke about in his sermon on Sunday.
-Give God ALL the honor and glory for our successes, healings, miracles and provision!
-Obey God and His Word completely 100%, not just 80% or even 99%. 100%! Jesus said, “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Thank You for Your Word Jesus. You have had to walk me through all of these lessons and sometimes have to remind me of them still too. I pray for more faith and Your Holy Spirit to help me trust the leadership You have placed over me completely, follow and obey You completely and always give You glory FIRST for any success and provision in my life. Amen.
Reference:
Biblestudy.org “Why didn’t Moses enter the Promised Land?”
-Michelle Gaddi