11.23.07 RE:ading -- Numbers 20:1-13; 21:4-9

RE:flect

“Meribah” = quarrelling. Again. Do you get the feeling that Israel’s history is going to be full of disobedience? Do they seem easily to forget God’s faithfulness as soon as the new day sun rises?

This story is interesting because Moses losses his retirement money (so to speak) here. Even Moses is kept from the Promise Land because of his disobedience. Not so much that, but he did not HONOR God in front of Israel. Makes me wonder what it is really saying when he had to strike the rock twice. I am only guessing here… but I don’t think that it was struck twice in a row. I imaging this seen of a leader striking a rock… and nothing. A moment of embarrassment, something is wrong. Hitting the rock again.. and water. And only Moses and Aaron really understand what has just happened.

Almost like Moses did not HONOR God in front of Israel, and God does not DISHONOR Moses in front of Israel—but still allows the water to come from the rock.

RE:act

His terms.Let’s first be real. God is God, we are not. Now… let that swim in your mind for a minute.

If God created you. You have no choice on what is “good” or “his will”. You have a choice (because of God’s decision to make you this way) to chose. But there is a good choice and a bad choice. Good = God. Bad = anti-God, evil.

Today recommit to HONOR God in front of all people. If he makes the rules, live by them. If he is your LORD, defend him by your life, and don’t just go with the flow. It may be uncomfortable. But there are a few things really worth giving your life, strength, reputation for in life. And I know this for sure – God is worth it! He is your friend also, but not ONLY!

Re:ply

Lord, I want to honor you.
Lord, I will sit silent now… I will wait for you.
Lord, please show me now what I am doing that doesn’t honor you.
Lord, forgive me for: __________, _____________, _____________, __________, ___________. Cleanse me from these sins.
Lord, I want to honor you. Lead me to those who need your love and your words of life.

“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” Romans 2:13