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. (Numbers 20:11)
Just before this occurred, Moses asked the people, “Are we to bring forth water for you out of this rock?” hinting that he was already perturbed with them. It could be that he was doubtful God would do such or that He should do such. Whatever his motivation, Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as he was instructed. Still, in spite of his misstep, water gushed from the rock in abundance. However, it came at great cost to him personally.
According to the following verse, because he struck the rock, he displayed unbelief and failed to sanctify God’s Name before the people. Had he spoken to it as he had been told, God’s name — His authority and reputation — would have been sanctified because there would be no denying His power. By striking the rock, he nullified what God wanted to demonstrate to the people. Consequently, he nor Aaron were permitted to enter the land. Thus we conclude that, in some way, Moses’ mistake seems to be a greater evil than the people’s disgruntled attitudes. Because of what had been entrusted to him and the position he held among God’s people, his misjudgment couldn’t be ignored.
The lesson for all of us is that, regardless of our position in the kingdom, we must remember that someone is always looking to see how we react in certain situations. Therefore, it is important that we always obey the Father to the letter regardless of the circumstances so that His Name is sanctified in the sight of others. Furthermore, we can’t allow our emotions to take over and dictate our actions potentially causing others to look upon God unfavorably. It is our duty to sanctify His Name in the sight of others, and so, let us proclaim the praises of Him who has called us out darkness into His marvelous light and that others would give Him glory.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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