Sanctify the LORD

This morning I found the passage when Moses struck the rock at Meribah most compelling.  When the people complained about the lack of water, Moses wisely sought the LORD.  God told him to speak to the rock and water would flow from it and supply water for all Israel.  Understandably annoyed by the complaints and murmuring of the people, the frustration of Moses was evident:  "Hear, you rebels!  Must we fetch you water out of this rock?"  Instead of speaking to the rock according to God's command, Moses struck the rock twice and water issued forth.  The people were glad to have water, but God was not pleased with Moses and Aaron.

Now I have often heard people say the sin of Moses was the fact he "misrepresented God."  I am sure Moses was guilty of this infraction as all people are, even those who have been called to lead in various church ministry.  But that is not the sin God cited.  Numbers 20:12 makes it clear:  "Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."  The sin of Moses and Aaron was primarily unbelief, and unbelief leads to all manner of sin.  A little background is after the rebellion of Korah, the staff of Aaron budded to prove that God had indeed placed them in leadership over His people.  Numbers 17:10-11 reads, "And the LORD said to Moses, "Bring Aaron's rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die." ¹¹ Thus did Moses; just as the LORD had commanded him, so he did."

Moses was to hold this rod as a testimony against the rebels, but the words and actions of Moses did not not make God holy or sanctified in the eyes of the people when he struck the rock as he had previously (Ex. 17:6).  The credit for this deed could have been attributed to the power of the rod or the favour Moses had in the sight of God.  For their sin, God disciplined Moses and Aaron by refusing them entrance to the land of promise.  The people did not enter because of unbelief, and that was the sin of Moses and Aaron as well.  They trusted God and relied upon Him often, but to whom much is given much is required.  They paid a heavy price for their unbelief, though they had faith to trust God when most would faint.

Let us believe.  All is possible to those who trust in God.  May we remember to sanctify God in our hearts and display His power for His glory with meekness and grace.  1 Peter 3:14-15 reads, "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear..."  We do not speak our wisdom, nor can we generate living waters from our own merit.  All we have and all we can offer is all God has given us by His grace.  As I am sanctified, may He be sanctified in me!