~Speak to the 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 beasts drank. [NUMBERS 20:11 ] [NAS]

As we read on in the story of Moses and the wandering of forty years in the wilderness, we see that Moses paid a high price for not obeying God. The Lord instructed Moses to “speak to the rock before their eyes.” (Numbers 20:8) As we continue on in the Bible, it says that Moses took the rod just as He had commanded him.

Then apparently, Moses let the flesh take control and he said to the rock in front of the congregation, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” (Number 20:10 ) Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank. [NUMBERS 20:11 ] [NAS]

What did God tell Moses to do? “Speak to the rock before their eyes.” (Numbers 20:8) But, Moses hit the rock twice with his rod. Sorry, but this is not what God instructed him to do. For this act of disobedience, Moses (and Aaron) did not go into the Promised Land.

Moses was the God appointed leader, bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt . He was their leader, instructor, teacher and example; the one that for sure knew God. By disobeying God, Moses did not treat God holy and did not respect His Holiness. The Bible says that God, “proved Himself holy among them.” (NUMBERS 20:13 )

What lesson can we learn from this story? Whether we know it or not, when we profess to be a Christian (Follower of Christ), people are looking at us. Are we setting the example for others? Are we in the will of God? Are we following God’s instructions for His plan for our life?

When Moses disobeyed God, it wasn’t Christ like and he had to pay the price of only seeing the Promised Land from a distance. When we disobey God, it isn’t Christ like. Are we only seeing the Promised Land at a distance?

Ask yourself today, am I obeying every word that God tells me? You have to make that decision, no one else can. It’s “one on one” with God. God has no grandchildren.

Brother Dewey E. Fox