“So, Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, ‘Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?’ Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank” (Numbers 20:9-11, NIV).
God’s punishment of Moses appears to be rather severe. I learned a long time ago that with great responsibilities come even greater expectations. God expected much from Moses. Unfortunately, Moses’ temper got in the way of his responsibilities as Israel’s leader.
No person can blame Moses for feeling frustrated. The Jewish people were a petulant bunch. In plain language, the Israelites had frayed Moses’ last nerve. So, Moses took matters into his own
hands, which was his undoing. By striking the rock in anger, Moses sought to exert some measure of control over the people who perturbed him.
Of course, the plan backfired. Moses came away from the incident embarrassed by his actions and without a job. Unbridled anger can have disastrous consequences. A momentary temper tantrum can undo a lifetime of work. A verbal tirade can leave a relationship in tatters.
Yet, God’s grace knows no bounds. The gospels testify that Moses greeted Jesus on top of a mountain located within the bounds of the Promised Land. Not only was Moses forgiven, but he was
also granted a second chance. This is good news for those of us whose temper sometimes gets the best of us. As the old hymn sings:
“Grace, Grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.”
Lord God, forgive me when I say things or act in ways that offend you. Remind me that as a Christian I am also an ambassador of Jesus, and that I am called to reflect his character and love. Through Christ’s name I pray. Amen.