
YOUTHS STS THE DISOBEDIENCE OF MOSES AND AARON’S DEATH
MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12).
TEXT: Numbers 20:1-29
The children of Israel journeyed to the desert of Zin where Miriam died. In Zin, there was no water for them to drink and the people murmured against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 20:2). Moses and Aaron left the assembly and fell upon their faces in prayer. Immediately, God answered them and Moses was instructed to speak to the rock and water shall come forth for the people. Unfortunately, instead of Moses speaking, he smote the rock twice because they angered him by their constant murmuring, still the water came forth. His disobedience had consequences: “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12). The text also revealed that it was time for Aaron to die (Numbers 20:24).
1.POWERFUL ENEMIES FROM WITHIN AND WITHOUT (Numbers 20:1-6,14-21; 21:1-3; Mark 7:20-23; Exodus 17:8-16; 1 Samuel 17:1-3,21-50; Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Timothy 4:14-18; 1 Peter 5:8,9)
“And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron” (Numbers 20:2). The children of Israel complained because of thirst. Recall that shortly after they crossed the Red Sea, a momentary joy filled the congregation. After this joy came several trials, temptations and tests, which in most parts, were fruits of their carnal and unregenerate hearts. This inner battle is called enemies from within. This experience is similar to the life of Christians. Immediately after salvation, there is a definite outburst of joy like a spring bringing out refreshing water. The cares of this life, distress, the deceitfulness of riches and subtle disagreement with the teachings of the word of God are possible issues that can arise from within the heart of a newly converted believer.
Question 1: How can one have victory over the enemies from within?
One, the person must be sure of his personal salvation experience.
Two, he must take further step and be sanctified through the cleansing blood of the Lamb. Three, he must read the Bible and pray daily to overcome trials, temptations and tests that may come across his way.
Four, he must rely on the Lord for victory.
Five, he must be ready to obey God always. “And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword. And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand” (Numbers 20:18,20). In this case, the Edomities organised themselves as enemies against God’s people and His purpose. Earlier in this text, Moses sent men to the king of Edom, requesting him to allow Israel pass through his country but “Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him” (verse 21). Just as the king of Edom and his people were stirred up and angered at the coming of the children of Israel, so is the devil and his agents angry and stirred up at the news of heaven-bound pilgrims.
Question 2: How can Christian youths overcome enemies of righteousness from without?
“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). The prayer of authority in the name of Jesus will scatter all our enemies. We should trust God to fight our battles for us. He is a God of battle. He has never lost any. He fought for Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David, Hezekiah, Jehoshaphat, Daniel and his friends, Peter, Paul and many others. He will fight for us today
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2.PRECAUTION WHILE SERVING THE LORD (Numbers 20:7-13; Exodus 17:1-7; Deuteronomy 3:24-29; Numbers 27:12-14; Hebrews 4:1; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 2:16; 3:5)
As the children of Israel complained for lack of water in the camp, Moses and Aaron fell before their faces “and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them”. In response to this, the Lord commanded Moses to speak to the rock. “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink” (Numbers 20:7,8). Moses carried out God’s instruction wrongly. He was commanded to speak to the rock, not to smite it. Although, water came out of the rock, God was displeased with him. Jesus is the Rock of ages. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Question 3: What was the implication of striking the rock twice for Moses?
Moses was commanded earlier to smite the rock in the book of Exodus. “Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel” (Exodus 17:6). The implication is this: since the rock represents Jesus Christ, He must not be smitten twice. His sacrifice, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection are once for our sins (Hebrews 7:26,27; 9:28; 10:10). Therefore, striking the rock again would imply that the one sacrifice was inadequate; thereby, contradicting the finality and power of the blood of Christ. “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Numbers 20:12). This action of Moses and Aaron hindered them from entering into the Promised Land. They were disciplined by God Himself. This calls for caution while serving the Lord.
Question 4: What precaution should we take while serving the Lord?
“And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:29). The service of the Lord is a serious work. We must be like Jesus Christ. To avoid any displeasure from the Lord, we should be obedient to all His instructions, be watchful, sober, humble, prayerful, disciplined and follow the example of Jesus (John 5:19,30). To serve God acceptably, we must seek His face for sufficient grace. God is holy. He is of a “purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity” (Habakkuk 1:13). He must judge sin anywhere it is found. For sinning youths, the Bible says, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Accept Christ today. He was “smitten of God” for you. Do not reject Him. It may be dangerous and too late if you fail to repent now.
- PREPARING FOR THE UNENDING JOURNEY OF LIFE.
Numbers 20:1,22-29; Genesis 3:8,9,19; 5:1-31; Psalm 90:9-12; Ecclesiastes 3:1,2; 12:1-7,13,14; Hebrews 9:27; Amos 4:12.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2). Life on earth is brief. Wisdom demands that we prepare for death. It leads to an unending journey where we would not return to amend any wrongdoing. It can take place at any moment. A time came when Miriam and Aaron died. “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying, Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah” (Numbers 20:23,24). The Lord commanded Moses to tell Aaron, the high priest, that his time in this world was up and Eleazar would take over the office of the high priest.
Question 5: What was Moses’ reaction to this commandment?
“And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation” (Numbers 20:27). Moses was obedient, faithful and fearless in discharging his duty. This is a great challenge to us (Hebrews 3:2). Death is not optional. It is a necessary end to everyone except those who will be raptured. There are three types of death.
These are:
(1) physical death (Hebrews 9:27),
(2) spiritual death (1Timothy 5:6) and
(3) eternal death (Daniel 12:2).
Question 6: How can one prepare for death?
The first step is to surrender one’s life to Christ in repentance and faith in God. One should continue consistently in living a holy and blameless life until the time of death. “Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12). However, the fear of death should not hinder us from doing what is necessary today. God is still in control of the affairs of men. We should serve the Lord faithfully until death because “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).