SUMMARY: Costly disobedience
OVERVIEW: God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to produce water, but Moses struck the rock twice instead, and God disciplined him for disobeying. Also, Edom refuses to allow Israel to pass through their land, and Aaron dies.
BIG IDEA: Leaders are held to a higher accountability.
KEY VERSE: Numbers 20:8 (God to Moses)
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 whole community and their livestock.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My child, don’t pick and choose what you obey or how you obey. I want you to listen to and obey all that I say. Follow me completely. Be faithful in all things, and don’t bypass or disregard small details. Little things matter. When you ask me to guide you or to give you wisdom, I will provide. Don’t be frustrated if my plan doesn’t look like the one you formed in your mind. I have a plan, and I want you to trust me in it.
When you follow me, everyone will not always be supportive. The doubters will claim you should go a different direction. Don’t be distracted by their strong opinions or passionate pleas. Don’t be discouraged by their harsh words. Focus on what I want you to do and how I want you to do it. Fear my consequences more than those with whom you work or live.
NEXT STEP
Are you ignoring God’s instructions in any areas of your life? Be still and ask God to search your heart. If God reveals something, take action immediately.
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