Day 46, or February the 15th. Some consequences
are best avoided. Our thoughts today are rooted
in Numbers chapter 20 verse 12. The Lord said
to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not trust
in me enough to honour me as holy in the sight
of the Israelites, you will not bring this community
into the land I give them. And now the big picture
surrounding this verse. These chapters give us
more details about the priesthood and their preparations
for ministry. Meanwhile, everyday problems continue
to test Moses and the people. Lack of water is
a big issue in the wilderness, which is resolved
at great cost to both Moses and Aaron. They encounter
problems when trying to pass through the land
of the Edomites, all because of the ancient feud
between Jacob, and Esau. And now today's action
step. Moses and his brother Aaron were truly
great leaders, but even for them, disobedience
had its consequences, and sometimes these could
be very great. It seems such a small thing that
they do, hitting the rock rather than speaking
to it, but there's much more to it than that.
Even today, there are Bedouins who are able to
strike at a rock at just the right place to release
hidden streams of water. They are seen as very
wise and clever people. God told Moses and Aaron
to speak to the rock. If they had, then the resulting
water would have been attributed to God. As it
was, the praise went to Moses and Aaron. Don't
ever try to rob God of His rightful glory by
claiming to credit yourself. I've heard preachers
talk of conversions they have made, growth in
membership following their dynamic ministry,
etc., etc. May they be forgiven. When God produces
something in your life or ministry, thank Him
and give Him the glory. As soon as all you do
is in your own strength, you will soon burn out.
That could be why you are so exhausted as you
are listening to this. Don't suffer from the
eye strain. Allow God to work through you and
then give him the glory. Mind you, there's nothing
wrong with you enjoying the results as well.