God’s Holiness

Scripture: Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them.  The Lord said to Moses, “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”  So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”  Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. 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.” Numbers 20:6-12 NIV

Observation: Moses and Aaron get water for the thirsty nation of Israel at Meribah.

Application: Almost!  That’s what Moses and Aaron did–almost!  Yes, the Israelites cried out for water; yes, Moses and Aaron went in and beseeched the Lord on the Israelite’s behalf; yes, the Lord gave the two of them exact instructions for getting water for the nation; yes, Moses and Aaron went to the rock and BLEW IT!  I’m not so sure that I wouldn’t be crying like a baby for lack of water just like the Israelites did if I were in their shoes, so I don’t believe that I would have been any stronger than them. However, I would hope that if I were Moses by this time in the face-to-face relationship that I had had with God, I would know to give credit where credit was due.  Moses did not honor the Lord. He did not show God’s holiness before the grumbling nation and it cost him the promised land. This is another reminder that God will not be mocked, “…for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1Peter1:16NIV

Prayer: Lord, I will not presume to be more righteous or capable of withstanding hardship than the wandering nation of Israel. I will ask for discernment in my life and wisdom to not offend you. Moses was a man among men; I am not. If he can fail you I know that I will. Forgive me for my weaknesses and help me to be holiness to the world because you are in me and you are holy. Amen

Doug