Just Mere Vessels
Numbers 20:10-12
10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “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.”
OBSERVATION
When the Israelites reached the Desert of Zin, they were witnesses of innumerable miracles and display of God’s power. All the miracles in Egypt that forced Pharaoh to release the Israelites to leave Egypt after 400 years of bondage, crossing of the Red Sea, God’s provision in the desert – these were all clear examples of God’s love and power. Yet, the Israelites complained every time their situation became unbearable and even worse, expressed their desire to return to Egypt and spoke fondly of their conditions in Egypt, forgetting that they were crying out to the LORD to deliver them out of slavery in Egypt.
First, Moses had every right to be angry with the Israelites but he did not have the authority to replace God who can deliver them from their crisis. Second, Moses let his pride take the best of him – “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” It was not Moses who was going to provide water to them but it was God who made the miracle happen. Moses in his anger placed himself in God’s place by saying that “must we” make the water come out of the rock.
APPLICATION
We are mere vessels for God whose role is to be a conduit for His power and love. There is nothing special or important about me but only through God’s election and His power, do I become an instrument for Him.
Be careful to avoid making decisions in anger. It serves no one well.
PRAYER
Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy. May I be the vessel for your love and grace. I surrender my pride to you and accept your authority to Lord of my life. Protect and bless Michael, Joshua and Daniel. Bless Grandpa and give him health and peace. Guide and protect Christine as she teaches today. I love you Lord Jesus. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.