| Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Luke 12:35-59; Psalm 78:56-64; Proverbs 12:24
“Then you will die on the mountain that you go up, and you will be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people. For both of you broke faith with me among the Israelites at the waters of Meribath-kadesh in the wilderness of Zin by failing to treat Me as holy in their presence. Although you will view the land from a distance, which I am giving the Israelites, you will not go there.” (Deuteronomy 32:50-52)
Awhile back on their journey to the Promised Land, Moses got aggravated with the children of Israel. They complained, wanting some water. Moses sought God who told him to speak to the rock and it would produce water. Instead, out of his frustration, he struck the rock. God honored Moses’ authority and the need of the people, but it came at a cost. For his disobedience Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. After all that he had endured he could only look at the land from a mountain but would never go there.
To many that may seem like a harsh judgment call on God’s behalf. I think we can find the answer in our New Testament reading. “And that slave who knew his master’s will and didn’t prepare himself or do it will be severely beaten. But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:47-48)
Moses had been given much in the form of intimacy with the Lord and duty. To that end much was required of him. The closer we get to God the more He expects us to know His voice and to obey. People who are younger in the Lord or do not know Him will typically get more leniency for their ignorance as we see the degrees of judgment in Luke and in James 3:1. With relationship comes responsibility – God holds us accountable.
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me of any shortcomings that I may have. I pray for Your grace and mercy to cover my life. I also ask You to guide me, help me to hear You completely and to be fully obedient to You. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen. |
