Read Numbers 20:1-13
If you were to make a list of the most memorable people in the Old Testament, it would be difficult not to think of Moses. He met with God at the burning bush, parted the Red Sea, and it was through Moses that the Ten Commandments were given. These are just a few of the miraculous events that Moses took part in as he led God’s people to the Promised Land.
Moses was God’s representative to the people as they wandered for forty years in the desert. Time and again, the people would come to Moses with a problem that needed to be solved, and this is one of those times. We can all agree that a lack of water is a serious need that should be addressed, and yet Moses goes beyond what is asked of him by God and allows his emotions to get the best of him. The consequence for Moses was not being able to go into the Promised Land. At first glance, this may seem harsh, but we must remember that we are talking about disobeying the Creator of the Universe.
In this passage, God’s definition of obedience is “complete” obedience. This means not adding or taking away from what God has asked of us. How do we do this? Simply put, by being obedient to what He has “already” shown you, by pursuing to know God more, and when he asks something of you…say yes. The struggle comes in when we let our emotions and feelings take control. We end up twisting what God has said because we think we know better. If we would only realize that the best thing for us is to live in “complete” obedience, then we would be able to share in the peace that only comes from God. Take time today to ask God if you are living in partial obedience to Him, and if so, ask for forgiveness and commit in your heart to live in complete obedience from this day forward!
Pray for 10 minutes