Disobedience

Dear class,

As we continue to trace the wanderings of the Israelites in today's reading, one particular incident stands out: The disobedience of Moses.

Alas....the weakness of man. Even Moses, the meekest of all men (Num 12:3), whom God speaks to "mouth to mouth" (Num 12:8) and face to face (Deut 34:10) succumbed in the briefest moment of folly, as we read the account in Num 20:1-13.
Why did Moses do it? Perhaps he was just too vexed by the people. Perhaps he thought striking the rock was as good as telling it, as he once did at Horeb (Ex 17:6).
Whatever the reason, we know God was displeased. It was interesting to note that God allowed water to flow, even though Moses did not do exactly as he was told.
There are many instances in the old testament that we read of depicting God's tolerance of the failings of the people. Abraham and Isaac lying about their wives, David's adultery, Solomon's many wives, etc. Yet, even as God's plan carried through, man bore the consequences of his actions.
In this case of Moses, we read that he was not allowed to enter into the promised land (Num 20:12)

What is in this for us? God allows things to happen, but it does not mean he is pleased or it is authorised. (Remember Pharaoh?)
So many a time we have heard : since there are so many denominations today, surely God authorises every one of them. God forbid! There's only ONE faith, ONE church (Eph 4:4,5; 1Co 12:13) Sure, you can go ahead to go a whoring after those man-made organisations, just be prepared to face the consequences (2Th 1:8, 9)
God is very specific in his requirements and we would do well if we followed his commandments to the dot, without any further embellishment on our part. (Rev 22:18, 19)
God understands our failings, Jesus himself being subjected to the same temptations (Heb 2:18; 4:15), yet this is no excuse for doing wrong (Rom 6:1,2), yet we are comforted that there is always a way out (1Co 10:13) and forgiveness for the repentant(1Jo 1:9)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul