Take that, you rebels!

When we are frustrated by life or people, we risk saying or doing things that are outside of God’s will of us. Or, would that just be me? Our hearts need to remain humble before God, giving Him the opportunity of working in those situations that make us angry. Moses forgot that and it cost him dearly!

The Israeli people were thirsty and desperate. Living in the wilderness was hard, even though God provided for their basic needs. They came to Moses and complained - "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!” (Numbers 20:5, NIV)  Think about how that galled Moses. He worked hard everyday to lead them, had brought them out of slavery, yet they are questioning him. Beyond the questions, they were demanding relief now.

The urgent need of the moment can cause us to forget God’s past faithfulness. Unless we are tending our faith with daily prayer and renewal of the Spirit, faith will evaporate like morning dew disappears when the sun begins to shine.  And, to be clear, because we live in a world of sin’s curse, frustrations will most certainly be part of life.  God, the Spirit, asks us to honor Him with faith in times like that.

Moses met their complaints with prayer and God gave him the solution: “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” (Numbers 20:8, NIV)   There is a sad note that follows. Moses let their complaints and rebellion get under his skin, angered by the accusation that he was failing as a leader. He allowed his resentment boil over – and in that moment, he dishonored the Lord.  “He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.  But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:10-12

In a fit of temper, he implied that he, not God, was producing the water needed. It’s so understandable, but God said it was unacceptable!  That day, Moses lost the privilege of leading Israel into the Promised Land.  The Lord held him accountable for his less than honorable actions and the consequence was that another would enjoy the glory of the realization of the hope of entering Canaan. That’s sobering, isn’t it?

Disciple, when you get frustrated by situations that resist your best efforts, when you do your best and someone demands more – will you trust God? Our true Source is Jesus. He is our Rock and from Him pours the waters of a fruitful life. Honor Him by declaring your dependence on Him. He has all the resources we need to meet the demands of your boss. He knows what you need to meet the needs of your family. He knows what your needs are TODAY.  When we live humbly, faithfully, with open hands and hearts, others will see past us and see Him in us.

Our word from the Word is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. I pray that they will inspire us to trust, to live in faith, so that all will know it is not our strength, but Christ’s expressed through us, to the glory of God. " I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:11-12, NIV)  "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

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Build My Life

(As you listen, give your life to Him, the Builder)

Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing

Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

Jesus the name above ev’ry other name

Jesus the only one who could ever save

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

We live for You

Holy there is no one like You

There is none besides You

Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are

And fill me with Your heart

And lead me in Your love to those around me

I will build my life upon Your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in You alone

And I will not be shaken

Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett

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