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Why? - Numbers 20:1-13

Sometimes we look back on life and wonder why? We see a situation that might have turned out better if it had been approached differently. Or we see friends who've become enemies because of hasty words or actions. Acquaintances who could have continued as friends with our help. We are tempted to yell WHY in these situations. 

Moses and Aaron may have uttered this word when thinking about the "rock incident." Both had seen miracle after miracle from God. Yet, in a moment of frustration and pride, Moses' emotions take charge, and he loses the privilege of leading the people into the Promised Land. It was a stupid move that he later regretted. God, however, took holy offense to his actions and thus punished his friend. I always want to scream as Moses lifts his rod in this chapter, "Don't Do It!" But he always does it. So sad. 

God is God, and he is strong. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. However, if God were like me, I know that he would cringe before every intentional sin. Knowing the future as he does, seems like it would magnify each infraction. Doesn't it? You see your friend about to make a huge mistake, whether intentional or not, and you know what the outcome will be, and you know that you must let it take place. Wow! 

Moses does everything to please God for years and years, and he disobeys here and reaps the consequences. God put it this way, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."
 
That's it. How about you? Do you trust God enough to honor him as holy? Has he ever told you to do something that you have not done? Or, maybe you have done it, but in your way. Whatever your situation, you need to think long and hard about how you have treated God. It is crucial because others are watching. 

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