The Way
“9 So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. 10 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?” 12 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. “
Numbers 6:9-11 (NIV)
I love the story of Moses! The children of Israel’s behavior makes me think of my own young children, at times- a little too much wanting and not enough showing gratitude. I admire the way that, so often, Moses sought the best interest of his people above that of his own.
In today’s passage, God had allowed the children of Israel to enter an area without a water supply to sustain the multiplied thousands of people. My limited mind cannot fathom why the Lord would choose to do that. But at the same time, I recall that this is not the first time the Lord had brought these same people to this same type of set up. And each time He graciously provided water from a rock in a desert place What a miraculous display of His power and love!
Instead of remembering the last time that God had miraculously supplied their need, they grumbled and turned on their leaders. I am sure Moses was pretty fed up at this point. Don’t we feel that way sometimes?
So I get it. I get Moses. He was tired of their constant faithlessness. So when he approached the rock this time, he treated it like last time. Last time God told him to strike the rock; this time, He said, speak to it. But instead of obeying, Moses raised his staff and struck the rock in an act of anger toward the people.
Here, Moses did the wrong thing. And it cost him. Dearly.
Why was this offense so contemptible to God? The answer is found in the New Testament:
“or I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”
1 Cor 10:1-4 (NIV)
The rock represented a type of Christ. The first time humanity was in need, the Rock was stricken- submitted to abuse and a cruel death on the cross. After that, His redemption work was finished! Now each time a person needs something from God, we need only speak to the Rock of our Salvation:
“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9)
As we come into the Resurrection Season, we remember what He has done for us. We also have to remember, that we never come to Him our way. Jesus Himself, is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) We come to Him, always in His way, in the path that He cleared for us in His blood.
Oh Lord, help me to do things your way- in humble obedience, rather than in anger or vengefulness. Help me remember that you are holy and I only dare approach you in the grace provided in Your blood. Thank you for your sacrifice that paved the way for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Happy Resurrection Day (Easter)!
Amen! Happy Easter to you also.
Yes, may we always remember what He has done for us and our salvation. Thank you for the reminder.
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His way is always better. We just can’t see it at times.