August 24, 2009

Text: Numbers 20

WHEN COMPLAINS DO NOT CEASE

1. The issue of water supply again    Numbers 20:2a

2. Choosing to complain/contend against Moses and Aaron    Numbers 20:2b-5

a) Not just the water supply problem

b) The death of "brethren" (rebels) Numbers 16 (The Sons of Korah and others)

c) Death of animals     Numbers 20:4

d) "This evil place"    Numbers 20:5

TURNING TO THE LORD

1. Going to the Tabernacle    Numbers 20:6a

2. Falling on their face    Numbers 20:6b

3. The Glory of the LORD    Numbers 20:6c

GOD'S REPONSE

1. Take the rod    Numbers 20:8a

2. Moses and Aaron    Numbers 20:8b

3. Face the complaining congregation    Numbers 20:8c

4. Speak to the rock    Numbers 20:8d

5. The promise of water from the rock    Numbers 20:8e

THE ERROR OF MOSES

1. Rod taken    Numbers 20:9

2. Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation    Numbers 20:10

3. Striking the rock twice    Numbers 20:11a

4. Water gushed out    Numbers 20:11b

THE CHASTENING OF MOSES

1. Reasons for chastening

a) The problem of unbelief
"Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron,
'Because you did not believe Me..."    Numbers 20:12a

b) The problem of not hallowing the Lord's Name
"To hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel"    Numbers 20:12b

2. Content of Chastening
"Therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them"    Numbers 20:12c

a) Leadership

b) Honour

3. Evaluation

a) Negative
Seems very harsh

b) Positive

    i) Moses still has 40 years of ministry ahead

    ii) He would be spared from the rigours of a difficult among the rebellious children of Israel

    iii) God's judgment is to be upheld as righteous and perfect