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October 14 So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, just as He had commanded him; and Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly before the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod, and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beast drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:9-12.
Moses had been clearly told by God to speak to the rock—not strike it. Somehow his actions seem to describe one of our main problems—we try to improve upon what God has commanded, and we do it by using our own strength and our own limited knowledge of how God works. Moses lost his opportunity to enter the promised land. Think about what Moses did. He drew attention to himself by implying that he, not God, would bring the water forth from the rock. He thought he could improve upon God’s promise by striking the rock rather than just speaking to it. And as if one strike were not enough, he found reason to strike twice! Now think about what God did. He allowed the water to pour forth abundantly so that all could drink. This is grace extended to those who clearly do not deserve it. This is even more remarkable because the rock really was Christ (see 1 Corinthians 10:4). My dear friends, when we are gathered with Him in eternity I feel we will all be shown examples of how we hurt Christ. I weep over this, and I am in awe of God’s grace! Heavenly Father, let me just accept very plainly what You say to me. I do not wish to improve upon Your commands or to even think that I have any strength to offer. Let me just trust You and You alone today. Your grace will fulfill my every need. Please do not let me draw attention or praise to myself, for that is to deny the Lordship of Jesus. Thank You. Amen. |
