Good day dear friends.
Here is our study guide for today: Saturday: Numbers 19, 20What was so bad about Moses’ actioni that it shut him out of the Promised Land?
One must read carefully the two chapters for today to find the answer, though I'm going to share the answer with you. In all the readings we have done thus far we can surmise that God meant business. The entire forty years were meant to form a people, a spiritual people, a strong people. God was concerned about every aspect of their lives, the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, etc. And through all this God wanted a loving relationship with each and every person in that band of travelers. God wanted respect and obedience. And we come to Moses' breaking point.
The people reached a point in their journey where they had no water. They should have known God would provide, but the first pangs of thirst hit and their anger flared. It only takes one person to gripe about conditions anywhere and there will be a second, third, and fourth, and sadly even more to join suit. They griped to Moses and Aaron and these two threw themselves on the ground before the Tent. As they prayed God answered them as to what they needed to do, which was to speak to a certain rock and water would spew forth. Moses takes his staff and instead of speaking to the rock uses his staff to beat the rock not once but twice. Moses took out his anger with the people on God. We know God can take it, but God was upset that this act of anger showed no respect towards God. And as a result, both Moses and Aaron were told they would not enter the promised land.
How do you handle your anger at work, home, school, or play? Do you ever find yourself taking it out on God? In my Faith and Film class on Thursdays we're watching Robert Duvall as "The Apostle." There is a scene early in the movie where he has lost his wife and his church (she has taken it away from him even though she and the youth minister are having an affair!), and so that night he shouts at God for most of the night. "I am mad at you!" Duvall shouts. The next door neighbor calls to complain and Duvall's mother, played by June Carter Cash, tells the irate neighbor that is his way of praying.
PRAYER: Loving God, let me handle my anger in prayer and love. Help me to understand, to be patient and loving in all my dealings. When it is necessary to be angry, show me retraint and wisdom. Let me strive to glorify You even in my anger. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
Here is our study guide for today: Saturday: Numbers 19, 20What was so bad about Moses’ actioni that it shut him out of the Promised Land?
One must read carefully the two chapters for today to find the answer, though I'm going to share the answer with you. In all the readings we have done thus far we can surmise that God meant business. The entire forty years were meant to form a people, a spiritual people, a strong people. God was concerned about every aspect of their lives, the physical, emotional, spiritual, social, etc. And through all this God wanted a loving relationship with each and every person in that band of travelers. God wanted respect and obedience. And we come to Moses' breaking point.
The people reached a point in their journey where they had no water. They should have known God would provide, but the first pangs of thirst hit and their anger flared. It only takes one person to gripe about conditions anywhere and there will be a second, third, and fourth, and sadly even more to join suit. They griped to Moses and Aaron and these two threw themselves on the ground before the Tent. As they prayed God answered them as to what they needed to do, which was to speak to a certain rock and water would spew forth. Moses takes his staff and instead of speaking to the rock uses his staff to beat the rock not once but twice. Moses took out his anger with the people on God. We know God can take it, but God was upset that this act of anger showed no respect towards God. And as a result, both Moses and Aaron were told they would not enter the promised land.
How do you handle your anger at work, home, school, or play? Do you ever find yourself taking it out on God? In my Faith and Film class on Thursdays we're watching Robert Duvall as "The Apostle." There is a scene early in the movie where he has lost his wife and his church (she has taken it away from him even though she and the youth minister are having an affair!), and so that night he shouts at God for most of the night. "I am mad at you!" Duvall shouts. The next door neighbor calls to complain and Duvall's mother, played by June Carter Cash, tells the irate neighbor that is his way of praying.
PRAYER: Loving God, let me handle my anger in prayer and love. Help me to understand, to be patient and loving in all my dealings. When it is necessary to be angry, show me retraint and wisdom. Let me strive to glorify You even in my anger. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
