What did God say? (CASM 71)

The first reference that comes to mind outside of myself is Moses. When I read Numbers 20: 1-13, my heart breaks for him. God instructed him to SPEAK to the rock to provide water for the congregation. Instead, he took the rod and HIT the rock not once, but twice. Instantly, he lost the opportunity to lead the children of Israel to the promised land. What did God say? These 13 verses contain God’s character, mercy, unconditional love, and life lessons.

Half obedience is full disobedience

God gave Moses a few tasks leading up to the rock incident. Take the rod, which he did. Gather the congregation together, check. Speak to the rock…this is where it starts to go horribly wrong. Moses speaks to the people, and not nicely. He takes it a step further by hitting the rock and shattering his opportunity to lead. Half obedience is full disobedience.

God reveals His mercy and unconditional love for Moses. Water pours out from the rock to nourish and refresh the congregation and the animals despite his disobedience. God still provided and met the need. I can definitely testify in my own life that even in my sin, God has blessed me. But, make no mistake, in His love for me, He did not overlook my sin. He chastened me, and there were consequences.

Heart issue

Moses went wrong well before he was tasked with this responsibility. He was frustrated, and I understand why. He was surrounded by a bunch of murmurs and complainers. Individuals who turned on him when things didn’t go their way. People who lack accountability and find fault outside of themselves. They will suck the life right out of you if you entertain it. STOP, and call on Jesus. He is the only one who can calm the storm within you. I can testify! Unfortunately, like us, Moses looked to himself and his heart was not laser-focused on God. He allowed the cares of this world to snatch away what God had specifically for him.

To whom much is given, much is required

Our roles as Christians, followers of Jesus, should not be taken lightly or played with. God placed Moses in a leadership role. He was to set the tone that the people would follow. What did God say? Speak, His words, that’s the power. Saying the name of Jesus stops foolishness from abounding, provides peace, and settles a weary heart. Jesus spoke, “Peace, be still,” and the wind ceased, and there was a GREAT calm Mark 4:39. Quoting scripture, the word of God turns unbearable situations around. Even if you are not specifically in a role of authority. You are an ambassador for Christ tasked with representing Him according to His instruction.

God has given us assignments. It has far more impact than the world when He no longer chooses to use us. Moses lost his reward. We may say, No big deal, he’s still in heaven. Yes, that’s true. Remember, we can pick the sin, but not the consequence. We don’t know what he endured because of his bad choice. The souls that may have been lost because of misrepresentation. To make it more personal. When God tells us to speak to that stranger and tell them about Jesus, and we don’t. Instead, we watch them walk away to never be seen by us again. We don’t know what happened to them. We don’t know if someone else told them about Jesus, or if they dropped dead from a cardiac arrest. Your loved one could be that stranger someone let out of their sight. Don’t take your assignments lightly.

In conclusion

People work so hard to challenge, change, discredit, alter, add, and subtract from God’s Word. No other name is cursed and taken in vain. Why? Because what God said convicts the soul and provides eternal life, and the devil hates it. He can’t have our souls thanks to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But if he can get us distracted and confused. We won’t have time or energy to tell others about the good news of Jesus. Guard your hearts and your assignments.

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