Numbers 19-21

I am reminded again today that God’s demand for obedience is consistent for everyone. He doesn’t require complete obedience from one person and overlook disobedience in someone else… even if that person is Moses.

I’m not sure what possessed Moses to take matters into his own hands. Was it pride? Was he so caught up in his position as God’s spokesman that he felt tapping the rock would be a more impressive show than just talking to it? Did he have a moment of doubt that God would bring water from the rock with just a word and then Moses would look foolish before an already angry group of Israelites? He had tapped a rock once before and it had worked. Maybe he felt he could help God along just a little.

The reason behind the disobedience doesn’t really matter. We can rationalized Moses’ or our own disobedience all day long and it doesn’t change the most important issue… disobedience. And if it’s Moses or me, God does not excuse disobedience for any reason.

Father, help me to obey. Sometimes it’s hard because I’m afraid of looking foolish in front of others. Sometimes I have momentary doubt. But help me to understand that the “why” of my disobedience isn’t important. No excuses. I want to be your obedient child today.