“Because You”

Scripture: Because of you the Lord became angry with me also and said, “You shall not enter it, either.  Deuteronomy 1:37 NIV

Observation: Moses is recounting all the events of the previous forty years to the Israelites just before crossing the Jordan.

Application: Wait a minute. I’m not quite sure Moses’ memory is very right here. Yes, it’s true that he doesn’t get to cross the Jordan and enter the promised land and yes, it’s true that when God told him he would not enter the land he had just dealt with yet another episode of revolt from the Israelites, but I’m not exactly sure that the S.O.D.D.I. defense, (some other dude did it), works here.  God clearly told Moses in 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.’ ” God says right there, ” because YOU.”  “Because you did not prove me holy…because you did it before the assembly…because you made it appear that water gushed from a rock due to your rage and not my mercy…you will not enter.”  When I stand before God and he and I have a conversation I want to hear him say “well done” not “because you.”  I want to prove the Lord holy by the fruit that I bear.

Prayer: Holy Father, I want to prove your holiness by my actions and attitude.  Help me to honor you today. Amen

Doug