Dying In The Wilderness

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Numbers 26-28 and Matthew 2.

As the Israelites came to an end of their sojourn (finally!) we are reminded of the fulfilment of God's pronouncement on a stiff-necked generation. Recall the incident of the 12 spies (Num 13,14). Because of their lack of faith God had determined that the only 2 souls in that generation who would step into the promised land would be Caleb and Joshua, the 2 spies who had brought back a good report (Num 14:26-30).

Such a difficult crowd the Israelites were that even Moses fell prey to their disobedience, as we are brought to remembrance the incident at Meribah (c.f. Num 20:8-13)
Num 29:14: For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

I can help but feel sorry for Moses! By human counts, Moses did what he could. At that point, he was probably vexed to death by a stiff-necked people, complaining and whining away. And it was not as if God did not ask him to strike the rock before to get water. And yet it was just this fine line between speaking and striking that made Moses right or wrong before God, that determined whether he died in the wilderness as the others in that generation, or passed into the promised land.
Notice the harsh judgment upon Moses "For ye REBELLED against my commandment" Wow God, hey give the man a break! Here was a faithful man of God, the meekest man on earth (Num 12:3), whom God Himself honoured and said whom he speaks to "mouth to mouth" (Num 12:8)! But yes, if we will not obey God's Word to the last jot and tittle, we transgress His law and it doesn't matter what good we have done. We have to face the consequences. In that matter, God still "gave face" to Moses by allowing the water to flow, yet Moses had to suffer the fate like the rest of the unbelieving generation.

You know, it's easy for us to just say, "oh but I'm doing good in the Lord" or "see? I am blessed by God to do such and such", but think of Moses. Did he not also? What good is good if not in the name of God, i.e. AUTHORISED by God? It is but nought and sin. (c.f. Mat 7:21-23) We need to be very very careful not to go about establishing our own righteousness, thinking we can "outdo" God or even believing to please God.

Otherwise, we too will die in this present wilderness and be lost in eternity.

The Lord bless us and keep us that we always strive to do EXACTLY as He commands, turning neither to the left nor right.

in Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ~ 2Timothy 2:22