2023_06_05 Insight Post- Kim Feld

“And the Lord was also angry with me because of you. He said to me, ‘Moses, not even you will enter the Promised Land!
Deuteronomy 1:37, NLT

Moses is one of my favorite Biblical characters. God used him incredibly, but as great as Moses was, he was still very human. I do not doubt that the people got on his last nerve – how could they not? However, in a moment of anger, he reacted in a way that denied him the privilege of entering the promised land.

As a reminder, let’s look back at the story in Numbers 20. The people were camping at Kadesh, and Miriam died and was buried. The people began complaining (again) to Moses and Aaron because there was no water to drink. The text says that the people blamed Moses; Moses and Aaron went to God about what to do. God told Moses to take the staff, gather the people, and as they watched, Moses was to speak to the rock, and water would come out. Moses obeyed to a point, taking the staff, and gathering the people as God had directed. But then, things took a turn:

 “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” ¹¹ Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. ¹² But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” (Numbers 20:10b-12, NLT)

In the different commentaries I read about Deuteronomy 1:37, most indicated Moses’ actions resulted from the people’s rebellion. I do see that, but it seems that God held Moses accountable for his actions. This scenario gives me pause as a leader. If I’m reading the situation correctly, my takeaway is that God wants me to handle myself as His daughter, regardless of the situation I find myself in. If I am obeying Him, He wants me to trust Him to handle any negative that may come my way as a result. That’s not easy to do, but when I keep myself in check and trust God with the outcome, I have the opportunity to display His holiness to those around me. I am to behave differently because I belong to Him. Holy means set apart for a specific purpose, and that’s what I am as His child.

We don’t see Moses owning his actions in Deuteronomy 1:37, but God’s tender care of Moses’ body after his death (see Deuteronomy 34) shows the depth of their relationship. Fast forward to the New Testament, we see Moses present on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured (see Matthew 17; Mark 9; and Luke 9). Moses was a key figure in God’s story of redemption for us.

As you read through Deuteronomy 1-3 this week, spend some time reviewing your own history with God. What are the things He has taught you that you can pass on to others? For what has he set you apart?

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach