Today’s Reading: Numbers 20–21, Psalm 9

When God’s people camped at Kadesh, there was no water and they began to rebel against Moses and Aaron once again. They blamed the leaders for their discomfort and circumstances. Without water, there would be no grain, no grapes, no pomegranates, and obviously nothing to drink. Moses and Aaron had just buried their sister, Miriam, and now their leadership role was requiring them to deal with the complaints of the people. The brothers fell face down before the Lord with this new problem and God gave them clear instructions, just as He is generously in the habit of doing for us.

“You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the entire community and their livestock.” – Numbers 20:8

Moses took his staff of leadership with the intent of following God’s instructions but, when the moment came for him to act on his leadership, Moses trusted in his staff more than He relied on His God. He was instructed to speak to the rock and he instead struck the rock. Water poured forth and the needs were supplied, but not in the way God had instructed Moses. Moses found himself relying on the strength of his own leadership instead of God’s miraculous power, and the consequence was great.

DO I TRUST IN MY OWN LEADERSHIP OR IN THE GOD WHO LED ME TO THIS MOMENT?

“Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” – Numbers 20:12

This was a big consequence for Moses. You see Moses was not called by God to rescue the Israelites from Egypt; he was called to be the leader through whom God would deliver His people from their enemies. Moses was not tasked with leading the Israelites to the Promised Land; he was assigned to follow God as God daily led His people by a cloud during the day and fire at night. Humbled by the assignment, Moses had given his life to obeying what God told him to do. But because he had a moment of doing things his own way instead of God’s, because he received the glory instead of allowing God to demonstrate His holiness, Moses would never cross over the Jordan River again.

The second consequence was just as great. Because they did not follow God’s instructions regarding the water at Meribah, it was time for Aaron to join their ancestors in death. So Moses climbed Mount Hor with his brother and his nephew. At the summit, he removed the priestly garments from Aaron and placed them on Eleazar. Then Aaron died on the mountain and all of Israel mourned for him for 30 days (20:22-29).

AM I FOCUSED ON MY OWN PLAN OR LISTENING FOR GOD’S PLAN?

Things changed after this day on the mountain. Instead of living in peace, the Israelites entered into a season of conflict. They were attacked by the Canaanites, taking some of them prisoner. The Israelites cried out to God and He gave them victory over their enemies (21:1-3).

As they continued their long journey through the wilderness, God’s people began to complain about both Moses and God. They were tired of wandering and sick of the manna that God had provided for them. So the Lord sent poisonous snakes to get their attention once more. They cried out to the Lord and He provided a way for them to seek healing, but it required them to place their focus where He was telling them to set their eyes (21:4-9).

FOLLOWING GOD REQUIRES OBEDIENCE AND FOCUS, FINDING CONTENTMENT IN GOD’S TIMING.

God’s people continued to travel along the ravine created by the Arnon River, which established a boundary between the land of the Moabites and the land of the Amorites. Next they arrived at Beer, a place that held the memory of God providing water for His people. This reminder helped the people find their song of praise again.

As they stepped out of the wilderness, the Israelites requested access to the land of the Amorites from their king. Even though they were a large group of people, they vowed to stay on the king’s road in order not to damage the fields or vineyards. They even promised not to drink from the wells as they traveled through. But King Sihon refused and instead attacked God’s people. But the Lord gave them victory over the Amorites and then next over King Og of Bashan.

The Israelites were following God out of the wilderness. They were experiencing attack after attack, yet the Lord was faithfully giving them victory over those who were choosing to oppose God’s people. He was providing for them according to His plan, each day bringing them closer to the land He had promised to them and to their forefathers. Following God did not mean a life without opposition but the Lord was with them each step of the way.

TRUST IN THE GOD WHO LED YOU TO THIS MOMENT. FOLLOW HIM AS HE DISPLAYS HIS HOLINESS.

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem.
Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.
He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer. – Psalm 9:9-12