Numbers 20:12 And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, Because you believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel… There are various ways in which we may show that sin is "exceeding sinful:" i.e., the character of God; the precepts of his ceremonial and moral law; the words and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not the least impressive proof of God's estimate of sin is God's chastisement of his sinning children. Confining ourselves to the conduct of Moses, we note - I. THE NATURE OF MOSES' SIN. It is described in verse 12, but is not easy to analyze. 1. Its root appears to have been a temporary failure of faith, indicated by the words "must we," or, "shall we bring you water," &c. In spite of the promise (verse 8), he expressed uncertainty as to whether such rebels will be gratified. Unbelief is infectious, and needs a robust faith to resist it. Like a powerful electric current, only a strong non-conductor can arrest its course. Apply to Christians fearing they must fail in their labours because of unbelief in others (cf. Matthew 17:17, 20). This distrust led to further faults, such as - 2. Haste of temper. Words, acts, and manner indicated this. May it not have been that because of his distrust, at the first blow, the water did not flow forth? Or was it that both blows were given in great haste? "He that believeth shall not make haste." 3. Disregard of instructions in striking when merely told to speak (cf. Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:5, 6). 4. The appearance, at least, of assuming too much honour to himself and Aaron, and thus failing to "sanctify" God before the people (Psalm 106:33). Distrustful or disobedient thoughts, when shut up, like rebels, within the citadel of the heart, do mischief enough and give a world of trouble; but if they sally forth in the form of words they may cause public injury and lead to consequences some of which may be irreparable. Combining the resolution of Psalm 39:1 with the prayer of Psalm 141:3, we may be safe. Yet in considering Moses' sin we may see - II. THE PALLIATIONS OF IT. 1. Great provocations from the rebels, who, after all the lessons of the past, inherited and perpetuated their fathers' sins (cf. Exodus 16:3; Exodus 17:3; Numbers 11:5). 2. His first public offence. He was "very meek" (Numbers 12:3), and he needed to be. Now for the first time his meekness failed him. 3. His sin was very brief - a temporary failure of faith, causing a passing gust of anger, yet soon over; he was not "greatly moved" (Psalm 62:2). 4. It led to no public evil consequences appreciable by the congregation. But though we may see in our own sins or the sins of others many circumstances that seem to palliate the offence, we must not expect to escape chastisement if we reflect on - III. MOSES' PUNISHMENT. Moses had one cherished desire of his life, that, having led the people through the wilderness, he might conduct them into the promised land. Illustrate this from the scene graphically suggested to our imagination in Deuteronomy 3:23-27. True, the punishment was only for this life, and, like many other of God's fatherly chastisements, was overruled for his child's good in sparing him from future conflicts (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:32). But still it was a punishment, reminding us of the great sin of disobedience even under palliating circumstances. And the penalty may be more serious. Illustrate from the ease of the disobedient prophet deceived at Bethel (1 Kings 13); or from some case we may have known of a life blighted through one sin of haste or disobedience in word or act. The favour of God brings with it great privileges, but imposes on us grave responsibilities (cf. Amos 3:2; Luke 12:47; 1 Peter 4:17). What need for the confession and the prayer, Psalm 19:12-14! - P. Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. |
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