The scripture tells us that Moses was a very humble man. He frequently inquired of the Lord and heard God’s voice and direction.
So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!” And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:4-6
The Israelites were angry about not having water, so Moses cried out to God. The Lord gave him instruction to strike the rock and that water would come out for the people. Moses did exactly as God had instructed him.
Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron. And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: “If only we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! Numbers 5: 2-3
Fourteen years later, the Israelites were faced with water shortage again, and their response was the same as last time. The people were angry again at Moses, and they complained about not having water. Isn’t it sad that regardless of God’s provision in the past, we can be quick to complain? Complaining shuts down our faith, and it does not allow us to remember God’s faithfulness in the past. The Israelites did not make much progress in their faith because they didn’t build their faith based on their past experiences with God. Every time they were faced with a challenge, they resorted to their child-like tempter tantrums.
So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him.
And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 5:6-12
This time the Lord spoke to Moses and told him to speak to the Rock. However, Moses was angry at the people, and he chose to hit the rock instead. This was not God’s voice or direction, but this was motivated by Moses’ anger towards the people. Consequently, he disobeyed the Lord. God was very displeased with Moses. He was God’s leader before the people, and he represented the image of God. Moses showed unbelief by not following through with God’s instruction. He misrepresented the Lord before the people.
Sometimes, we are prone to misrepresent the Lord to others in the manner we act. Our actions may not have anything to do with God’s voice or his direction, and this leaves a distaste in other people’s mouth about the image of God. Currently, I am challenged, as a parent, to make decisions that are in line with God’s voice rather than relying on my comfort level or succumbing to fears.
Are you able to hear God’s voice when you are fearful, angry, or frustrated? As a leader in your home, church, or work are you able to be led by the voice of God and represent Him well?
