Simply Obey
If I could sum up God's requirement for us as believers, I would say, "Simply obey." He is Lord, and we are His children. He knows best. Why would we question Him or fail to obey His clear directions? The truth is that we often disobey with serious consequences. Moses failed to obey God's clear directions about speaking to the rock to bring water, and he could not enter the Promised land.(Numbers 20:8) We might think that was a harsh punishment for the humble servant of God, but God had a good reason for what He did.
The rock represented Christ. Moses struck the rock at God's direction the first time to bring water. This time God said to simply speak to the rock, but Moses out of frustration or pride, disobeyed God. He struck the rock not once but twice. God still gave the water, but He gave Moses and Aaron a severe punishment, because He wanted to make a statement for all times. Jesus was to be struck once, so the Living Water could flow to us for salvation. Then, once we are saved, we speak to Him in prayer to receive the water of life each day.
There is no way Moses could have known God's meaning. That did not matter. All he needed to do was to listen and obey. The same is true for us. We do not need to understand why. We simply obey. Then, we let God work out the rest.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 22-24.
The rock represented Christ. Moses struck the rock at God's direction the first time to bring water. This time God said to simply speak to the rock, but Moses out of frustration or pride, disobeyed God. He struck the rock not once but twice. God still gave the water, but He gave Moses and Aaron a severe punishment, because He wanted to make a statement for all times. Jesus was to be struck once, so the Living Water could flow to us for salvation. Then, once we are saved, we speak to Him in prayer to receive the water of life each day.
There is no way Moses could have known God's meaning. That did not matter. All he needed to do was to listen and obey. The same is true for us. We do not need to understand why. We simply obey. Then, we let God work out the rest.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 22-24.