Numbers 20:11 (NASBStr)
Then Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation and their beasts drank.
Much has been written about this passage and these words will fail to reach the beauty of those other theologians who see much more here. However, the words written are mostly on the disobedience of Moses and Aaron and their "striking" the rock, rather than "speaking" to the rock. As a result they are forbidden to enter the promise land. The forty years, almost expired, took their tool on them, as well as the Nation. Yet, perhaps missed in the commentary on this passage, God does provide the water the nation needed and wanted. God, in His abundant mercy, still grants them their desire despite the hard heart it came from and the disobedient servants who delivered it. Perhaps this is the perfect example of the modern church. Congregations who arrive to entertainment and preacher who preach for popularity and yet, God still shows up and shows His glory. The theory that blessing indicates obedience would be lost on Moses and Aaron here. In this story you have blessing flowing despite disobedience and lack of faith. Most commentators believe Moses and Aaron were disciplined because of both ill-temper and, perhaps more, lack of faith. God tells us that we need faith to please Him (Hebrews 11:6) so, when He is displeased, we lack faith. This is all true but the fact that water still flows shows that God can and will provide blessing and mercy despite our disobedience. Everyone at the foot of the cross had rejected the Messiah. Yet, He still utter the words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." God is constantly giving us His blessing despite our utter failure and lack of faith. We need to realize that our entire life walk with Him is predicated on a faithful God and a very unfaithful follower. Even in our meager obedience we fail to express the faith we should. God still brings water out of a rock.
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