Numbers 20:7-12
“And the Lord said to Moses, 8“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.”9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” (NLT).
JD&L Mission Greets you today in the mighty name of Jesus !
It’s truly a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord! As we continue to spread the Good News of the Gospel! In this life, we will experience moments of sharing our testimonies, with friends, families, and even strangers. Despite what’s going on in the world, along with our own hardships, it can be a challenge to enjoy the Joy and peace of the Lord. However, Isaiah 26:3 states, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee"(NLT). At times, we need a reminder and encouraging word from our sisters and brothers in Christ. Last week, as I began my week, I received a “Praise Report” from a sister in Christ that passed her nursing boards. Can I tell you? Immediately after seeing the word “PASSED” on her post, my heart leaped with overwhelming Joy. I was heading to an appointment, driving and couldn’t contain my tears. The presence of the Lord was so rich deep in my soul, being able to see the promise of the Lord come to pass. Have you ever been there before?
As I called her phone to tell her congratulations, I couldn’t stop worshipping, crying, and thinking about the goodness of the Lord in her life. I could relate to the joy she felt passing her exam, because I had a similar experience. The first time taking the nursing exam, she didn’t pass, which left her feeling discouraged. Nevertheless, she persevered and held onto the promises of God. Depending on the Lord’s promise, she continued trusting God for the promise, and the second time she passed the exam. The words from a song that comes to my mind is, “I see the evidence of your goodness all over my life”. In that moment, I recognized the importance of giving thanks, celebrating others, and even in the bad times, praising God; believing that all things work together for the Glory of God.
As I reflected on her testimony, the Lord gave me a revelation about Moses and the promise land. Moses, a leader who walked with the Lord, was chosen by God to deliver His people from Egyptian slavery. God entrusted him with the law, and he is known to be a man of exemplary faith (Hebrew 11). He was used by God to show the mighty power of God with miracles, signs, and wonders. Yet Moses, with all his blessings, was not allowed to enter the promise land. As we can see in the above portion of scripture, Moses didn’t obey Gods’ direct instructions. Instead, he allowed his flesh (anger, frustration, & pride) to stand in the way of being obedient to the Lords commandments. Many times, if it wasn’t for the mercies of the Lord, we probably wouldn’t be alive today, but we thank God for His Grace. John 1:17 states, “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (NLT).
Our role in the Kingdom of God, is not to take things into our own hands, but to submit to God commands. The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT). At times, completing a task in life can be a struggle, as well as a test to see how we are going to respond. If we take the time to read about Moses’ journey with the people of Israel, we probably would have responded the same way or worst. With all, Moses embraced the punishment and continued his journey as a leader for the Lord. He never lost faith or hope in Jesus; He kept moving with confidence.
The Word of God encourages us, that although we fall, we must get back up, repent, turn, learn from our mistakes and sin no more. Proverbs 24:16, tell us that, “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overflow the wicked” (NLT).
Although Moses couldn’t go to the promise land God promised His people- he was still merciful in those times of hardship. He taught Him the importance of humility, self-control, patience, and living a life of holiness in the most difficult circumstances on his journey. 1 Peter 1:13-25, is a call for people of faith to live a life of holiness- meaning a life set a part, reserved to give Glory to God. Moses didn’t display Gods view on holiness when he shouted to the people to say, “Must we bring you water from this rock?”. He didn’t give God the Glory for providing the water by saying “we” and his anger got the best of him.
When God is using you to do something in your life or someone else’s- he will often put a test in front of it. Job is a great example, that through his affliction, he held onto the promise of God. Esther had a made-up mind that if she perishes, it’s all for the Glory of God. Rahab, heard about the Lord delivering His people to the promise land; destroying their enemies and stepped out on faith. She moved by faith, saving not only her life, but her entire family. She seen the promise still stands, if she only obeys Gods commands. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 declares, “……Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (NLT).
As we continue the journey, our obedience must come with a willing heart, despite the trials. After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, Moses died on Mount Nebo at the age of 120, within sight of the promise land. Moses may not have made it to the physical promise land, but the promise still stands, for our eternal home with Jesus. Jesus comforted His disciples with the promise- “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (NLT). This world is not our home. We are just pilgrims passing through. Our home is in heaven.
In this life, good and bad times will come, but let us pass the test of faith. In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Believing God is in total control of our lives, the eternal promise will always stand. So, be of good cheer, hold onto His promises no matter the outcome. Let our response be like Job “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Focus Verse of the week:
2 Chronicles 7:14 “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land”.
Comments