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!