Introduction

• Numbers 20:1-13

Review: Moses

• Exodus 1:15-2:4
• Exodus 2:5-6
• Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:23
• Acts 7:30-36
• Exodus 31:18; 34:27-28
• Deuteronomy 34:7
• Matthew 17:1-8

Previously on…

• God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 1-14)
• God provides manna and water from a rock (Exodus 16-17)
• Moses receives the law at Mr. Sinai and the people worship an idol (Exodus 19-32)
• Spies sent into Canaan and the people rebel (Numbers 13-14)
  • God pronounces judgment on the Israelites – death and wilderness wandering
• Numbers 20:1 – Miriam dies

People’s behavior affects us

• Numbers 20:2-5
• Recall that Moses is called “very meek” (Numbers 12:3)
• Notice some interactions between God and Moses:
  • Exodus 33:17
  • Numbers 14:20
  • Deuteronomy 34:10
• But even he was not immune to the effects of other people’s behavior.
• Moses behaved admirably on several occasions when he faced difficult circumstances.
  • Exodus 17:4
  • Numbers 12:13
  • Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 14:13-19
• Consider how Jesus behaved when He was mistreated (Matthew 27:24-50).
• Moses is not alone in being influenced by others’ bad behavior.
  • Galatians 2:11-14
  • III John 1:9-11
• Moses’ anger problem
  • Exodus 2:11-13
  • Exodus 11:8
  • Exodus 32:19
  • Psalms 106:32-33; 78:38-41
  • Galatians 5:20
• How we react, when mistreated, must be governed by God’s word.
  • Matthew 5:11-12
  • II Timothy 2:24-25

Partial obedience isn’t enough

• Numbers 20:9-11
• Exodus 17:1-7
• The difference between the last time God commanded Moses to provide water and this time is one word: “strike” vs. “tell”
• When Got issues a command or authorizes a work, it must be done fully and completely.
  • Partial obedience = rebellion

Sin has consequences

• Numbers 20:12, 24
• Moses asks God to reconsider his punishment.
  • Deuteronomy 3:26
  • Deuteronomy 32:48-52
• This moment of rash behavior at Meribah was a short one in light of Moses’ long life, but it had a lasting impact.
• Sin’s earthly consequences may be short-lived or permanent.
• Sin’s spiritual consequences may be short-lived or permanent.
• Romans 6:23; James 1:15
• II Corinthians 7:10-11 – One who fears the earthly consequences of sin more than spiritual consequences will never be saved.

Conclusion

• Moses, like us, was not immune to temptation.
• His actions at Meribah remind us that …
  • Others’ behavior affects us
  • Partial obedience is unacceptable
  • Sin has lasting consequences
• But, thanks to God, we can respond appropriately to negative behavior, please God with our service, and avoid eternal condemnation!