“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
As you read through the Book of Numbers, you are struck by a 35-38 year absence of their Wanderings. The Book starts in the 2nd year of their Journey and dwells there for quite some time and then in today’s Reading picks up near the end of it. Today we read of both Miriam’s and Aaron’s death which occurred near the end of their Wilderness Punishment. Interestingly, we pick up with much of the same spirit. The People directly involved from earlier in our reading have died off, but the Storyline has not changed; Complain, Complain, Complain!
Once again, there was no water for Israel where they camped. The people began to contend with Moses, accusing him of leading them to their demise. But God had a plan. He told Moses “speak to the rock” and water would be supplied. But Moses decides to be theatrical, and we read “”Listen now you rebels; shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their livestock drank.”” So instead of just speaking to the rock, strikes it twice. The People are rebuked, the water flowed, and everyone lives happily ever after, right? NO!!! Moses and Aaron had disobeyed God and would not enter Canaan as a result of this.
Today’s Lesson is SOBERING! Of all of God’s Servants, there are very few as Noteworthy as Moses. He is THE Pillar for the Old Testament People. But even This Holy Man of God Sinned! He failed, and as a result, was punished quite severely. Let this be a Warning to each of us. We are told in Hebrews 12 that if we are God’s Children, He will surely Discipline us and not to “regard it lightly”. In fact, we are asked this question “what son is there whom his Father does not discipline?” That included Moses!!! Let us be prepared then, as God our Father works in us to make us like His Perfect Son, Jesus!
This always made me feel bad for Moses as sometimes the the people were so difficult to deal with, I understand his frustration.