I was reading in Numbers 18-20 this morning. Some stuff is mind-boggling and some is mind-numbing. But some is serious. The duties of the Levites and the laws of purification although serious in the sense of “this is the way things must be done” was also mind-numbing in its details of “what to remember.”
But the parts which brought home “God means business so you better listen and obey” was the action of Moses and Aaron at Meribah. There was no water and once again the people of Israel forgot God’s provision. They grumbled against Moses and Aaron and by proxy, God. God told Moses to speak to the rock and the rock would yield its water. Moses instead took his staff, spoke to the people in anger, then struck the rock. Water came out, but there were consequences. God pronounced that Moses and Aaron would not enter the Promised Land. After 40 years!
Seems cruel. Seems unfair. Seems out-of-line. Seems a little over the top. But we are told why only in God’s own words: “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore…”
There is no doubt why. God’s holiness was not honored. Moses “stole” God’s honor with his anger-induced action and made it like it was an affront to him. “Hear now shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” God said speak to the rock; Moses struck the rock. God’s honor would be upheld; Moses’ angry action was the centerpiece. God received no thanks; Moses got the attention.
Stealing God’s honor from Him is a serious thing. I, too, can do that. Not striking a rock in anger, but when I fail to give honor to Him for actions. When I do something for personal gain. A pat on the back. When I preach to seek men’s applause and approval.
“Father, it is a serious thing to steal Your glory. Help me be aware of when I do that. Even go far as to stop me before I do by making me aware of it. Let me live, speak, and act for your glory.”
Less of me and more of Him . . .
Thanks for this inspiration today, Bill. Blessings!
More than welcome Martha.
“Glory Stealing”… a humbling reminder that what I do as a person, because I have identified with Christ, has a direct impact on how others perceive Christ.
Good thoughts today Bill!
Thanks Ryan. You are right about the impact we have.
Wow… great application to all of us who have the heart of Moses. None of us deserve to see the Promise land… only His grace will take us there one day.
I know I am sometimes a “glory hound.” So I have to rely on that grace.