Numbers 20:12 (ESV) – And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Have you ever seen someone do something that makes you shake your head in disbelief? This especially happens when we see people do things that cost them. We have examples of millionaire athletes doing dumb things that cost them major dollars and opportunities. There is an example of a celebrity actress that shoplifted clothes from stores. We sit stunned in disbelief at the actions of people like this because we see how much their actions are costing them. 

This sets up our passage today. In our text today, we see this scenario played out with Moses. Moses has been given everything. The LORD calls him to lead the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the promised land. He is God’s man for the job. God promises to give him help and strength as he serves in his role. But Moses blows it. We read in Numbers 20:12, “And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.’”

Moses struck the rock twice. This went beyond what God instructed him to do. He was told to strike the rock once and speak to the rock. But the striking of the rock twice demonstrated an unbelief that God would do it. He took matters into his own hands. The LORD rebuked him and said that not only did it show Moses didn’t believe Him, but it was an act that didn’t uphold Him as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel. The result of his actions was that he forfeited the right to enter the promised land.

There are many lessons this story provides us. First, we recognize that God takes obeying Him very seriously. We are to do what He says. Second, there are consequences when we fail to obey. Moses cost himself the opportunity to enter the promised land.

We rarely consider the things our sin and disobedience are keeping us from experiencing. Examine your life today. Make sure you are prioritizing what God has instructed in His Word. Obey Him in every aspect of your life.

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That is the surest path for blessing and joy.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is Moses punished for striking the rock twice?
- What are occasions in your own life where you have disobeyed, even though they may not have appeared to be “big” sins?
- How does reading the Scriptures daily help us to avoid the sin of Moses?