Read Numbers 20:1-13 Moses Strikes the 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 20:11-12)

It is so natural when one is angry to react. The reaction might be to raise our voice, speak unedifying words, banging the door, throwing things, kicking the cupboard and even physical violence. Were there times we were so frustrated and acted out of anger and we regretted the consequences?

Here was Moses in position of authority, vulnerable to great temptation of abuse or hurt. The Israelites complained of thirst. He acted out of frustration. God did not command him to speak to the nation but to the rock. Instead, he spoke so severely to the nation out of anger and struck the rock twice. God still provided abundantly for the people and their animals. The rock which provided water in the wilderness was a picture of Jesus, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:4)

What Moses did was dishonouring before God. It was as act unbelief. He failed to exercise restraint and honour God as His representative before the people. Moses was denied of entering in the Promised Land. Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift your eyes toward the west, the north, the south, and the east; behold it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan. (Deuteronomy 3:27)

How we should exercise our authority as Gods channels? Paul has this to say, And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (II Timothy 2:24-26)

Prayer: Father God, its Your love and honour to Your Name that we project love in gentleness through our ministry. We need not react out of being hurt or anger. Help us to hold our peace and listen to You as to what we should do. Empower us Holy Spirit to do what is honourable that exalt the Name of Christ.

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