This is because both of you were unfaithful to me at the oasis of Meribah at Kadesh in the Desert of Zin. You didn’t show the Israelites how holy I am.

Observation

Moses has reached the end of his life. He has been a great leader of a stubborn, rebellious people. He was faithful and obedient to the Lord, doing everything He commanded. He even spoke with God face to face, something no one else had done before him or would do after him.

Yet, he would not enter the Promised Land. God held him accountable.

The Lord instructed Moses to go to Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho. From there, he could look at the land of Canaan. And that is where he die, joining his ancestors, and brother Aaron, in death. This is because both were unfaithful to the Lord at the oasis of Meribah at Kadesh in the Desert of Zin. They didn’t show the Israelites how holy the Lord is.

Was it because Moses struck the rock rather than speaking to it as instructed? Did he and Aaron fail as leaders and God’s spokesmen when when the people complained about not having water in the desert? Perhaps a theologian can explain it, but whatever it was, from my limited perspective, the punishment doesn’t seem fair. But it does illustrate how abhorrent sin is to God.

Application

How seriously do I take sin?

I know my sins are covered by the sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross. He died in my place, taking away the ultimate consequence of my sin. Because He has paid the price I cannot pay, do I consider sin lightly, as an “oops”? Do I take God’s grace for granted?

God doesn’t.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for your grace. Jesus, may I not take lightly the price You paid for my sin. May your Holy Spirit continue working in me to transform me into Your image, holy as You are Holy!

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