Numbers 18-20, Usurping Glory

 “Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses, “Take the staff  and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock  while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence  just as he had commanded him. Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you? ” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that abundant water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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Simply adding to Gods command and implying that he was part of the solution Moses and Aaron lost their ability to enter the promised land.  God requires obedience and is not interested in sharing His glory.

Lord, help me to follow You precisely and consistently.  Give me understanding and a heart to see Your leading.  Grant me wisdom to know You and to stay surrendered tonight You at every turn!

Numbers 16-17, Long Suffering

 “The next day the entire Israelite community complained about Moses and Aaron,  saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people! ””

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭16‬:‭41‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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I wonder how long it had been since Aarons son had been killed when offering unauthorized fire to the Lord, before this episode where 250 people did something similar.  And shockingly, right after God destroys them and their families, the next day the rest of the people are blaming Aaron and Moses.  God is required to have massive patience with them…and me…

Lord, thank you for being long suffering because we need it.  Help us to have better memories and more trust that You are at work in every area of life.

Number 14-15, Psalm 90, Rest & Worship

 “While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the Sabbath day.  Then the Lord told Moses, “The man is to be put to death. The entire community is to stone him outside the camp.” ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15‬:‭32‬, ‭35‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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God was serious about the Sabbath…I find it interesting that the Israelites were told over and over that they were need to deny themselves to follow the Sabbath.  Why is it so hard to rest and worship?