And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “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.” Numbers 20:12
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 20:1-13 - Miriam dies and is buried by the people in the wilderness, and Moses does not completely follow God instructions to bring water from the rock, and is subsequently punished harshly. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God provides and comforts the people during their time of need - in the face of not having any water, God gave instructions to Moses (vv7-8) to use the staff (see also Numbers 17), and to command the rock to yield water. Indeed God was able to yield water from the rock, despite Moses not following His instructions completely. God's plan will not be thwarted.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Alarmingly, we see the people grumbling, complaining, quarreling with, and rebelling against God - see vv2-5. After all that God has done, including provide and cause both the earth to swallow up Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) and a plague that killed 14,700, the people fail to trust in the LORD to provide water. Instead of going to Moses and Aaron to intercede, the people grumble, complain, quarrel, and rebel. Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear any fruit (John 15:1-10). Key to the text today is how Moses fails to completely follow God's instructions in v8 to "tell" or command the rock to yield water - instead Moses strikes the rock twice (v11). V12 describes God's harsh punishment to Moses as he will not be able to enter the Promised Land. Perhaps one can see such punishment as harsh, but we must also remember that church leaders are held to a higher standard.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not grumble, complain, quarrel with, or rebel against church leadership as they are God's appointed leaders. Church leaders should also be mindful how they are avoid not following God's commands - do not add to or subtract from His Word. Claim the promise that God is Lord over all of Creation, He is faithful, and we can trust in Him to provide. Follow the example of Jesus who trusted the Father and willingly laid down His life. Love and trust in Him.
My Prayer: Father God, You of are an awesome God who loves and saves. I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
