READING: Numbers 17-20
It doesn’t seem that significant that Moses struck the rock twice rather than speak to it as God had commanded him. After all, what difference does it really make in how the people got water? But, by disobeying God’s command, Moses treated Him as less than holy—and the entire Old Testament we’ve studied thus far this year has pointed to God as holy. Aaron was apparently part of the problem, too.
But, God not only required obedience, He also expected the leaders of the people to set the example. Moses and Aaron disobeyed—and they suffered the same penalty the Hebrews had paid a generation earlier. Moses would only see the land from a distance, and Aaron would die before then.
Any act of disobedience before God is significant. I suspect this story will make me think twice today when temptation comes.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you fully obedient to God today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me to do whatever You require of me today—and to do it exactly as You desire.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 21-23
