The Minor Detail: Numbers 20:2-13

Here is the passage where Moses seems to be at his whits end with the people of Israel. They are again complaining and grumbling and wanting to die or go back to Egypt. I really, for the life of me cannot understand these people. I truly would be scared if I were them, having seen what they had seen. Yet here they go again. When Moses and Aaron hear the people they go and fall before the Lord. During the meeting with the Lord, Moses was told to go out and talk to the rock and water would flow out. When Moses gets out of the meeting and gathers the people together at the rock, he then precedes to strike the rock twice. One minor detail that Moses did not forget. Here is the Lord's punishment, "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." It seems that Moses was so frustrated and upset at the people, he failed to honor God and what He said, thereby striking the rock out of anger.

Out of everything Moses had done right in the eyes of God, this one action is going to prevent him from leading the people into the promise land. This one minor detail will become a major deal breaker for Moses. Seems so unfair. Yet we see a glimpse into God's desire for His leaders and people to honor Him and give Him glory. Also, this truly does begin to make me think about what is in my life, that may seem as a minor detail, that is keeping me from experiencing God's best? What is it, in my life, that is not right in the eyes of God? I don't want the so-called minors of sin, keeping me from the majors of God!

Therefore, we all need to be aware with what we are doing, and what God has said. Whatever is in our life that is not bringing glory and honor to the Lord, we need to repent and turn to the Lord. Let us live for the Lord our God who saved us from our sin, sanctifying us for a people unto Himself, and who is leading us to the Ultimate Promise Land (Heaven).