God instructed Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water, but Moses was angry with the people. They gathered at the rock and Moses shouted, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water from this rock.” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out, so the entire community and their livestock had water to drink.
There are mistakes that Moses made in this passage, and as a result, he was denied entrance into the Promised Land.
Practical Principles
- Moses was taking personal credit for what God had done. God wants the glory in your life. And God wants to use you. God wants to speak through you. God wants to use you as an instrument to bring comfort and help to people are in need.
- Moses disobeyed God. The Lord said to speak to the rock. At another time the Lord said to strike the rock with the staff. Instead of obeying the Lord’s command, Moses did what he had done before.
- God gives second chances. Moses stumbled and fell. He messed up. But that was not the end of the story. Moses did make it into the Promised Land ultimately, after he died.
Relevant Reminders
- Meekness is power under constraint. It is controlling your temper.
- Sometimes we get discouraged when we forget the faithfulness of God in the past. We need to remember what He has done for us.
- God will lead us differently at different times and in different situations.
- Anger is something we need to get under control.
Applicable Actions
Bad decisions bring bad consequences. Because of what he did, he was not able to enter the Promised Land in his lifetime. But God allows second chances. God is not done with you. Jesus is that rock that was broken for you. He died on the cross for your sin and He will forgive you.
