One of the more puzzling Scriptures is in Numbers 20:7-12. There we see Moses, an incredible leader of God’s people losing the blessed privilege of leading the children of Israel on the last leg of their journey into the promised land. In Numbers 20 7:-12 we find out why God penalizes him in such an apparently harsh way.

Why in the world would our gracious God penalize His servant after 40 obviously difficult years leading His people on such a trying journey? The punishment on the surface seems so unfair! It seems to outweigh the deed! Not being allowed to take them all the way? This puzzled me for many years. What was the big deal about striking the rock twice versus speaking to it? After all, the end result was the same. Isn’t the result what matters ? The answer is NO! Let’s see why and why it should speak volumes to every Christian leader today.,

I think there were at least 5 reasons and keep in mind God holds His servants to a high standard.

1. Moses did not trust God. God told him very explicitly to SPEAK to the rock, not strike it. Verse 12

2. By striking it he failed to honor God, the responsibility of every servant. Verse 12

3. He used harsh words which God did not order Him to use, showing his personal frustration. Verse 11. From my own experience I can tell you feeling frustration is a common occurrence for pastors, teachers and leaders, but you need to take to The Lord, not display it, revealing a heart of anger toward God’s people.

4. He took credit for the miracle for himself. Verse 12. How common this is! There is so much boasting in the church everywhere! But Paul said, ” May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which the world has been crucified to me”. Galatians 6:14

5. Many believe from other Scriptures (see 1 Peter 2:8), that the rock is a type of The Lord Jesus Christ. If true, the significance to God would be that The Lord Jesus would only be struck once on the cross by a holy God. He will only suffer once. Would Moses have understood this? I doubt it but I think you can see that in this particular instance God was holding Moses to a very high standard of trusting Him, honoring Him, presenting a true picture of Him and giving Him all the glory.

Rather than giving Moses a “pass” because of his incredible labors and high prominence to others, God holds him to a higher accountability, “To whom much is given, much is required”. What a lesson to all of us who are in leadership positions of God’s dear people!

Terry