“Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” – Numbers 20:8
Moses was frustrated with the people of Israel. He was frustrated with their constant doubts, demands, and questions. It’s quite understandable in human terms, of course! Unfortunately, when God told Moses to gather the people and just speak to a rock to produce water in a manner that would bring glory to God, his anger got the best of him. Instead of simply speaking to the rock in the name of God, Moses rebuked the people. He made a show of his power and authority by striking the rock with his staff to produce water. He made the whole situation about himself rather than about God. God gave water to His people, but Moses had not trusted in God and rested in Him. He’d let his frustration win and undermined the glory of God.
For his lack of trust and obedience, Moses missed out on entering the Promised Land himself. He’d been a faithful servant. He’d done extraordinary things for God. He loved and spoke with God. But when given clear instructions by God, he’d disobeyed. For that, there were consequences. This seems harsh, but God has extremely high standards for those who lead in His name.
Regardless of whether you’re a leader or a faithful follower, let this story be a reminder to cultivate a heart that trusts God to deal out justice and vindicate those who are insulted. Cultivate a heart full of the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the heart of Jesus. A heart that speaks quietly rather than striking the rock publicly. A heart that points people consistently toward God rather than making things about him or herself. A heart that can rest in God’s righteousness and turn every frustration over to Jesus. A heart that loves like Jesus and trusts like Jesus, all the way to the cross if necessary. #FollowJesus