Moses’s name indicates he was chosen by God from birth. He was the Deliverer. A “beautiful” baby. Educated in the ways of Egypt. Trained in the desert 40 years. Saw the burning bush. Defeated Pharaoh with plagues. Worked numerous miracles. Parted the Red Sea. Was given the Ten Commandments. Led Israel in the wilderness. Built the Tabernacle. Spent time with God until his face radiated with such glory, no one could look at him. The only man to whom God showed Himself. Moses brought down the complete law. Wrote the first five books of the Bible. Interceded on behalf of the people and when they sinned against God. (What did Moses NOT do?)
Yet, he was not perfect. During the final years in the wilderness, Moses’s patience wore thin. Once again, the childish people were whining, blaming him for lack of food and water. Moses prayed and God told him “Speak to the rock.” Instead Moses BEAT the rock with his staff:
“And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and STRUCK the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to honor Me in front of the nation, therefore you shall not bring the children of Israel into the land which I have given.” Numbers 20:10-12.
In anger, Moses disobeyed. He did not speak to the rock, he struck it. And his words sound as if he took partial credit for the miracle. (“Must WE bring water for you from this rock?”)
God immediately did two things. He made water gush from the rock, an amazing miracle. He met the nation’s needs. But then He told Moses he would never enter the Promised Land. He was 120 years old and everything he had ever done was leading to the Promised Land. It was the climax and fulfillment of his whole life!
But God said no. We must stay humble. We must honor God’s holiness: “To whom much is given, much is required” Luke 12:48.
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