By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
LACK OF TRUST
Numbers 20:2–13
The Problem (2–5)
In chapter 16, Moses and Aaron faced a serious challenge to their authority when Korah and others rebelled against their leadership. God’s response was to open up the earth and allow it to swallow Korah and his followers.
In spite of this episode, the Israelites continued to groan and complain against Moses and Aaron, God’s chosen leaders. They complained about a lack of water, saying it would have been better to have stayed in Egypt.
When we obey God and things get difficult, it is often easy for us to remember past times when circumstances were less challenging.
We may be tempted to complain to God, asking why He made things harder for us when we are acting in obedience. However, we mature in the faith when we are obedient.
God uses hard times to help sanctify us. It is easy to look down on the Israelites and criticize their lack of faith, but we need to be mindful of how often we do the same things. We grumble against God because things don’t go our way.
We may get angry that we struggle to make ends meet or because our ministry is not as successful as we would like. However, when we repent and ask for forgiveness for our complaining, we can be thankful that God is patient with us and forgives us of our sins.
The Plan (6–8)
Moses and Aaron went to God to present the Israelites’ frustrations to Him. This is a proper response from these leaders, as God is the One we should trust with our concerns. God, being long-suffering, did not destroy the Israelites but instead told Moses how to get water for the people.
In our ministries as Sunday School teachers, Bible Study leaders, parents or whatever God has called us to do, we need to pray to God for the needs of those we lead.
God places people under our charge so we can help lead them to the Lord and help them mature. We need to listen to God’s directions through prayer and reading Scripture because this is where we can be sure to get God’s insight in how to lead.
The Result (9–13)
Moses and Aaron were told by God to speak to the rock and water would come forth.
However, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck it twice.
On top of this, instead of giving credit to God, Moses said, “Must we bring water out of this rock for you?” He took credit for the water. Because of this act of pride and disobedience, Moses and Aaron were prevented by God from entering the promised land.
Many Christians in positions of leadership can have great success in their ministry. Often, God gives Christians insight into how to lead ministries but over time, the leaders can begin to think that their ideas are good and forget that the success came from God.
How many leaders in Christian circles have we seen fall because they put their own ideas over those of God? How often do we see faithful churches face division because the leaders begin to think that they are in charge rather than God?
It is crucial that we surround ourselves with Christians who will be honest with us and tell us when we are becoming prideful. Then we can repent and God will forgive us.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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