Bible Study - Count - respond to Difficult Situations - Numbers 20 and Psalm 106

Bible Study – Count – Respond to Difficult Situations – November 20. 2011

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Make Your Life Count.”

Additional thought: Numbers 20:13 - GOD showed HIS Holiness to them. This reveals the committment GOD has to the covenants HE makes with HIS chosen. Christians are HIS chosen in CHRIST. HE will never leave you or forsake you. Christians may dissapoint HIM but HE loves them for eternity.

Our scripture is Numbers 20:1-13; Psalm 106:32-33.

We continue to study the Spiritual journey of Moses and the Israelites as he led the Israelites to the Promised Land. As Moses interacted with GOD, he got to know GOD in a real way. We are learning more about GOD through Moses’ experiences. The missing and vital ingredient is that the Israelites did not experience this same interaction with GOD. This is often true when we rely upon the experiences of Bible teachers and preachers with GOD in their lives rather than building our own experiences. Unless those of who teach can inspire those who listen to leave their comfort zones and place their trust in GOD, teachers fail. We have seen Moses grow from a timid person to a real leader. In this lesson, we will see the importance of those who serve GOD to be obedient to HIS commands, regardless of how long they have walked with HIM.

Lesson one revealed that GOD calls ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks through HIM. Lesson two revealed that as Christians, we are to build our relationship with GOD and not with those who represent GOD such as pastors, teachers, elders, deacons, etc. (I am not saying not to have a relationship with those who present GOD’S Word but for them not to become a substitute for your relationship with GOD.) Christians must build their own relationship with GOD. Those who present GOD’S Word can encourage and lead those under their teaching to build their relationship with GOD as they serve HIM.

Every human doing the will of GOD is on a Spiritual journey to know GOD more intimately each day and they only arrive at their final destination when they meet HIM face to face. So be careful about placing your trust in fellow humans but build and place your trust in GOD through your relationship with CHRIST.

Lesson three reveals that Spiritual leaders can have their moments of disobedience, which GOD does not take lightly. GOD expects and requires 100%, 100% of the time. Yes, HE forgives when we are disobedient but we have to suffer the consequences for our actions. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Numbers 20:1-5:
Water from the Rock
1 The entire Israelite community entered the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and they[1] settled in Kadesh (KAY desh). Miriam[2] died and was buried there. 2 There was no water for the community, so they assembled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD.[3] 4 Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? 5 Why have you led us up from Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It’s not a place of grain, figs, vines, and pomegranates,[4] and there is no water to drink!”

The Israelites entered the Wilderness of Zin which formed the southern border of the Promised Land. The entire Israelite community has been estimated to be about two (2) million people including women and children, excluding the Levites before they wandered in the wilderness. When the census was taken Numbers 1:19-43 there were 603,550 males and when the census was taken in Numbers 26:5-50 there were 601,730 males.

As a time marker, it was when Moses and Aaron’s sister, Miriam, died. It had been about forty (40) years since the Israelites left Egypt. Now they were on the southern border of the Promised Land waiting for GOD to lead them into the Promised Land. GOD punished the Israelites for their lack of faith in HIS ability to lead them into the Promised Land. Thus those who were twenty (20) years and older were banned from the Promised Land because they had refused to trust GOD. So GOD allowed this older generation to wander in the desert to die off before allowing the younger generation to enter the Promised Land.

GOD’S punishment for their lack of faith was captured in Numbers 14:29-36: (As you may recall only two (2) spies, Caleb and Joshua, of the twelve (12) spies gave a positive report regarding the Promised Land and believed in the power of GOD to give them success. But the Israelites believed the ten (10) and refused to enter the Promised Land. Their lack of faith in GOD after HE had revealed HIS mighty hand in leading them to the border of the Promised Land resulted in consequences. GOD was speaking beginning in verse 29.)

29 Your corpses will fall in this wilderness—all of you who were registered [in the census]* (603,550 men) , the entire number of you 20 years old or more[29]—because you have complained about Me. 30 I swear that none of you will enter the land I promised[30] to settle you in, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 I will bring your children whom you said would become plunder[31] into the land you rejected, and they will enjoy it.[32] 32 But as for you, your corpses will fall in this wilderness. 33 Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for 40 years and bear the penalty for your acts of unfaithfulness until all your corpses lie [scattered]* in the wilderness. 34 You will bear the consequences of your sins 40 years based on the number of the 40 days that you scouted the land, a year for each day.[33][34] You will know My displeasure.[35] 35 I, the LORD, have spoken. I swear that I will do this to the entire evil community that has conspired against Me.[36] They will come to an end in the wilderness, and there they will die.”[37]

This is so true for those who serve the LORD. Lack of faith robs them of the blessings GOD has in store for them. So GOD allowed the older generation to die off before leading the younger generation into the Promised Land. But even this younger generation had their issues. They had built their dependence upon Moses and Aaron and not GOD.

GOD’S desire was for the Israelites to know HIM. They had built their relationship with Moses and Aaron. So a serious situation arose in the desert. They needed water. GOD had a plan and a purpose.

Water is a vital commodity in the desert region and this area was no exception. GOD leads us into areas where we have to depend upon HIM to provide our needs. This was the situation.

Moses had led them to this area and the Israelites trusted his leadership. But he had led them to a place with no water. We see that the people had their trust in Moses and not in GOD. GOD’S desire is always to build our trust in HIM and not those who represent HIM. GOD’S desire is for those who represent HIM to always obey HIM completely. It is easy for those who serve HIM to lose their focus and take matters into their own hands.

The Israelites were complaining to Moses that there was no water and they would have been better off to have died. They had a warped remembrance of their time in Egypt. They had either forgotten or had not been born to remember the harsh times of slavery. Those who had been born likely recalled having food and plenty to drink while they were in Egypt. Those who did remember likely had a distorted view of the good-ole-days in Egypt.

When things get tough when serving the LORD, it is easy to recall the times when we lived according to the flesh. There is a tendency to return to the so-called good-ole-days.

Verse 3 states that they wished they had died with their brothers. Some believe they were referring to the situation in Numbers 16:1-34:

Korah Incites Rebellion
1 Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi,[1] with Dathan and Abiram,[2] sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took 2 250 prominent Israelite men who were leaders of the community and representatives in the assembly, and they rebelled against Moses. 3 They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have gone too far![3] Everyone in the entire community is holy, and the LORD is among them.[4] Why then do you exalt yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” 4 When Moses heard [this]* , he fell facedown. 5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him, who is set apart, and [the one]* He will let come near[5] Him. He will let the one He chooses come near Him. 6 Korah, you and all your followers are to do this: take firepans, and tomorrow 7 place fire in them and put incense on them before the LORD.[6] Then the man the LORD chooses will be the one who is set apart.[7] It is you Levites who have gone too far!”[8]8 Moses also told Korah, “Now listen, Levites! 9 Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the Israelite community to bring you near to Himself, to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the community to minister to them? 10 He has brought you near, and all your fellow Levites who are with you, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. 11 Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD![9] As for Aaron, who is he[10] that you should complain about him?” 12 Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come! 13 Is it not enough that you brought us up from a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Do you also have to appoint yourself as ruler over us? 14 Furthermore, you didn’t bring us to a land flowing with milk and honey or give us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? We will not come!” 15 Then Moses became angry and said to the LORD, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.” 16 So Moses told Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you, they, and Aaron. 17 Each of you is to take his firepan, place incense on it, and present his firepan before the LORD—250 firepans. You and Aaron [are]* each [to present]* your firepan also.” 18 Each man took his firepan, placed fire in it, put incense on it, and stood at the entrance to the tent of meeting along with Moses and Aaron. 19 After Korah assembled the whole community against them at the entrance to the tent of meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole community. 20 The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, 21 “Separate yourselves from this community so I may consume them instantly.”[11]22 But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “God, God of the spirits[12] of all flesh, when one man sins, will you vent Your wrath on the whole community?”[13]23 The LORD replied to Moses, 24 “Tell the community: Get away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” 25 Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 He warned the community, “Get away now from the tents of these wicked men. Don’t touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” 27 So they got away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Meanwhile, Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the entrance of their tents with their wives, children, and infants. 28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD sent me[14] to do all these things and that it was not of my own will: 29 If these men die [naturally]* as all people would, and suffer the fate of all, then the LORD has not sent me. 30 But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them along with all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into • Sheol, then you will know that these men have despised the LORD.” 31 Just as he finished speaking all these words, the ground beneath them split open. 32 The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s people,[15] and all [their]* possessions. 33 They went down alive into Sheol with all that belonged to them. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. 34 At their cries, all [the people of Israel]* who were around them fled because they thought, “The earth may swallow us too!” 35 Fire also came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were presenting the incense.[16]

The Israelites were saying that they should have died along with these people rather than dying from thirst. They were telling Moses that he had lied to them regarding the abundance of food that would be available to them. All they had seen was the opposite of plenty. Now they needed water and there was not enough water to sustain them and their animals. They were going to die in the desert.

This must have bruised Moses ego. It hurts when you try to represent GOD to others and they do not capture the vision. Did Moses need to show the Israelites that he had a real relationship with GOD and that GOD was working through HIM? He had the power of GOD?

When those who serve GOD need to justify themselves to those they serve, it sets up the potential for something bad to happen. GOD will confirm or deny those who obediently serve HIM.

A dear single pastor friend in the mountains of Kentucky was accused of fathering a child with one of the white ladies in the church. He kept telling the congregation that it was not his baby. He is white when the baby was born it was black. GOD has HIS ways of revealing truth.

Let’s read Numbers 20:6-11 and Psalm 106:32-33:

6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting. They fell down with their faces [to the ground]* , and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 The LORD spoke to Moses, 8 “Take the staff[5] and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock.” 9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence[6] just as He had commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.[7]

Moses and Aaron had a dilemma. They left the disgruntled crowd and went straight to the doorway of the tent of meeting. The tent of meeting represented the presence of GOD. The people knew that Moses and Aaron were seeking a solution from GOD. This is always wise. When Christians have a decision to make, they need to go before the LORD and ask HIM for guidance.
GOD gave them the solution. They were to take the staff. This was the staff that Moses used to reveal the power of GOD to the Egyptian Pharaoh, used to turn the Nile River into a river of blood, part the Red Sea and strike the rock for water the first time as recorded in Exodus 17:1-7:

Water from the Rock - (This was the first time GOD provided water from a rock when they were in Rephidim. Moses was confident that striking the rock with the staff worked after this miracle. It is easy to stay with what works. Is it GOD’S will to stay with what worked in the past or to rely upon HIM?)

1 The entire Israelite community left the Wilderness of Sin, moving from one place to the next according to the LORD’s command. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So the people complained to Moses: “Give us water to drink.” “Why are you complaining to me?” Moses replied to them. “Why are you testing the LORD?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water, and grumbled against Moses. They said “Why did you ever bring us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? In a little while they will stone me!” 5 The LORD answered Moses, “Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take the rod you struck the Nile with in your hand and go. 6 I am going to stand there in front of you on the rock at Horeb; when you hit the rock, water will come out of it and the people will drink.” Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He named the place Massah[1] and Meribah[2] (MERH ih buh) because the Israelites complained, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

Back to our focus scripture - GOD was very clear in HIS instructions. GOD told Moses that he and Aaron were to speak to the rock. He was to take the staff which he used to strike the rock the first time but this time they were to speak to the rock. GOD did not tell them what to say or at least it was not recorded for us to know. But the important thing is for us to know what GOD told them. GOD wanted both of them to speak to the rock in HIS name.

GOD had a plan for the people. The Israelites had built their relationship with Moses and Aaron. GOD needed for the people to build a relationship with HIM. HE wanted to reveal to the people that HE was the power behind the miracles and not some magical things that Moses was doing with the staff. It is interesting that GOD instructed Moses to take the staff. GOD was testing Moses. Who would Moses rely upon the past success of the power of the staff or trust GOD?

Moses called the assembly of Israelites together at the rock. Moses then has a fit of anger. Notice that Moses takes ownership for the miracle which was about to take place when he says “Must “we” bring water out of this rock for you?” Big mistake when those who represent GOD start believing they have the power and not GOD. The “we” could have included GOD but if Moses intended it to include GOD he did not give a hint that it did. Psalm 106 captures the anger of Moses:

Psalm 106:32-33:
32 They angered [the LORD]* at the waters of Meribah, (MERH ih buh) and Moses suffered[18] because of them; 33 for they embittered his spirit,[19]and he spoke rashly with his lips.[20]

Moses raised his hand and struck the rock not once but twice. Could it be that Moses thought that since this was the second time to strike a rock that he should strike the rock twice? We do not know. Moses was disobedient but GOD honored what Moses had done with a bountiful supply of water. But it cost both Moses and Aaron a great price.

Just imagine waiting 40 years to walk into the Promised Land and one disobedient act preventing you from achieving something you had longed for. This reveals that GOD is no respecter of persons. HE requires 100% obedience from those who serve HIM. The people got much needed water but they would have had more if Moses and Aaron had obeyed GOD. GOD’S desire was to build a personal relationship with the people. Instead their relationship was with Moses and the power of GOD was in the staff.

Let’s read Numbers 20:12-13:

12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.”[8] 13 These are the waters of Meribah,[9][10] (MERH ih buh) where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness to them.

GOD placed HIS finger on the problem in the lives of Moses and Aaron, lack of trust in HIM. They trusted the staff. Did Moses believe that GOD’S power was in the staff? Was the staff Moses security blanket?

GOD’S desire was to reveal to the Israelites HIS Holiness to the Israelites. Holiness means to “set apart.” GOD wanted the Israelites to see HIM respond to their needs because of HIS love and care for them. Moses had a relationship with GOD and knew GOD but all the people knew was that Moses spoke to GOD and the manifestation of the power of GOD was in the staff.
GOD instructed Moses to take the staff with him to the rock but GOD wanted Moses to show the Israelites that the power was not in the staff but in the invisible GOD they worshipped. GOD had a plan and a purpose for the Israelites to build a personal relationship with HIM and not the staff.
How often do Christians put their trust in some object rather than the power of GOD? We like to tie our faith to something we can see and hold. Do you have a security blanket? GOD’S desire is for you to trust in HIM completely and toss your security blanket.

The consequences for disobedience are severe.

Aaron died before entering the Promised Land. GOD told Moses that he would not enter the Promised Land but HE did take Moses on a high mountain and let him see the Promised Land. Moses died and GOD buried him.

Christians must serve GOD as HE instructs and leads them. It is easy to do things in our own strength. Had Moses gotten too big for his britches? It is easy to do. I have often heard so-and-so has a hot line to heaven because he/she prayed and GOD answered. We must be careful not to place our trust in so-and-so but in GOD. And so-and-so must keep their focus that it is GOD Who answers prayers. GOD gives the gift of intercessory payer. Our trust must stay focused upon GOD.

Moses had to choose whether to use the staff, a tried and true way to get water out of a rock or to rely upon GOD by asking GOD to reveal HIS presence by bringing forth water from the rock. Speaking to the rock in the name of GOD and witnessing a bountiful flow of water would have carried Moses’ faith to a higher level and it would have established the potential for a dynamic, personal relationship between the Israelites and GOD. They did not need to confine GOD to the tent of meeting or to a staff but where ever they were, GOD was there with them in full power ready to help in the time of need. GOD knew that Moses and Aaron would not live forever. The Israelites needed to build their relationship with HIM and not having to rely upon Moses and Aaron being their intercessors. GOD was about to lead them into the Promised Land and they needed to know GOD themselves.

GOD’S desire is for HIS children to have an intimate, loving, personal relationship with HIM through CHRIST. Christians attend Bible studies, church, Bible conferences, Sunday school and other events to learn about GOD. They build confidence in the presenters of GOD’S Word, which is good but the most important thing is for them to build their own personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

If you took Spiritual inventory a year ago or a month ago, do you know CHRIST more today than then? Know that GOD works in every Christian’s life. HE gifts them in different ways. Some are teachers, preachers, care givers, makers of money and the list goes on. Some gifts are more visible than others. Use the gift or gifts GOD has blessed you with to serve HIM. As you serve HIM you will build an intimate relationship with HIM and get to know HIM more each day. Blessings and joyous Spiritual growth!!!