By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GOD REQUIRES
Numbers 20:1–13
God requires holiness from His people. For those whom He appoints to leadership a greater accountability is expected. The same God who judges rebellion in the pew also judges rebellion in the pulpit. Every leader is accountable to God.
Forty years of wilderness wandering took its toll. The book of Numbers records accounts of rebellion in the ranks. It seems everyone had complaints against Moses: first his older siblings (Num. 12), then 10 spies (Num. 14), his fellow Levites (Num. 16) and the rank and file Israelites (over and over again).
Such rejection takes a toll on leaders often resulting in frustration and anger. That frustration, or even righteous indignation, does not give leaders permission to disobey the instructions of God.
The Timing (1–5)
The timing was not good. Moses was mourning the death of Miriam, his older sister who watched over him in the Nile until Pharaoh’s daughter drew him out of the water from his basket. No doubt he recalled how they reunited after almost 80 years apart, how she questioned his choice of a wife and how she recognized God had chosen Moses for this monumental task.
While mourning for their sister Moses and Aaron heard the people complaining about their lack of water. Had Israel forgotten how God had turned the bitter water sweet at Marah? Did they not remember that God brought water from the rock at Horeb, enough water to provide for all the people and their livestock? Evidently not.
Israel remembered the menu from which they ate as slaves in Egypt, but they could not remember the time when God abundantly provided for them through the rock as a result of Moses’ obedience.
The Directions (6–8)
God does not give the same directions for every situation. When Israel was preparing to meet with God at Horeb, God told Moses to take his rod and strike the rock. This time God’s clear instruction was to speak to the rock. Implicit in this instruction was “don’t hit it.”
Christian leaders have much to learn from this event. God gives us clear instructions in His word including the qualifications, theology, character and conduct of church leaders. Why do we complicate matters by explaining away these instructions? How can we justify excusing ourselves because of our intent while judging others by their actions? The answer is we have no excuse for our sins.
The Frustration (9–11)
Moses was clearly frustrated. “Take the staff” — check. “Assemble the community” — check. “You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch.” Moses didn’t merely speak; Israel would learn a lesson. Israel wants water? Let’s give them water! “Hear now you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses struck the rock — twice.
God, not Moses, brought the water from the rock. In the midst of his frustration Moses lost sight of the fact that the Almighty God is the author of miracles. He and Aaron did not bring water from the rock though his words seem to indicate that he thought so.
The Fallout (12–13)
Moses lost his temper. Who doesn’t, right? Frustration is no excuse for disobeying God. Let me write those words down again so I am doubly accountable for them: frustration is no excuse for disobeying God.
I type this with tears in my eyes thinking of the many times and many ways that I’ve excused my own rebellious heart because of the actions of others.
Moses and Aaron missed out. Aaron wouldn’t come close to the promised land though he had served as high priest in Israel. Moses would catch a glimpse of the land from the trans-Jordanian mountains, but he would never step foot in the land “flowing with milk and honey.” Don’t miss out.
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