Numbers 20:10

New International Version (NIV)

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?”

For Meditation

Poor Moses! The man had been magnanimous for so long. He had turned down God’s suggestion to allow Him to get rid of adulterous Israel and make a new nation out of him. He had interceded for them numerous times, exercised meekness beyond human limitation, and always allowed God to vindicate him against their charges. He had obeyed God every time and seen His glory. So, why now, Moses (Nu. 20:10-11)! “Why do you hit the rock instead of speaking to it, as the Lord commanded you?”

1. Do you know that, that is what people will do to us when we allow them?
2. Do you see how people can push us to the wall until we break? And for what?
3. What happens when we react in anger to, “prove to you”, that they can’t mess with us?
4. When the dust is settled, what would we have gained but a stroked ego and a big mess to clean up?
5. Do you see Moses’ pitfall and ours? One act of satisfying the self; and a long and illustrious career, and the joyful anticipation of entering the Promised Land were thrown to the dogs!

I pray you do not let them do it to you, if you’re moving towards that edge now. Please, stop; and, take the highway to God! Take your eyes from that person or people and fix them on Jesus (Heb. 12:2). You’ll be surprised by His refreshing view that will calm your heart.

So: May the Spirit of God release a heavy dose of self-control to calm your nerves; and may you ride peacefully over that storm into that big thing God has prepared for you.

When they get under your skin, remember the honor of God before you crack.

Shalom