Numbers 20:12 (NKJV) – Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
Moses and Aaron were tasked with leading the children of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. To complete such a huge task, they needed to totally depend on God as they could not do it by their own power.
Because they depended on Him totally, God did many signs and wonders through their ministry.
On one such occasion, when under severe pressure from the people, God commanded Moses to bring water out of a rock by striking it.
Exodus 17:5-6 (NIV) – The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
This way, God alone was taking all the glory as it was clear to the people that God was the One doing the work with Moses and Aaron as servants.
Later on in Numbers 20, the people needed water again. This time, God commanded Moses differently: Numbers 20:8 (NIV) – “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water.
Rather than obey God like they always did, they acted otherwise:
Numbers 20:10-11 (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?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.
Instead of speaking to the Rock, they spoke harshly to the people and struck the Rock. Though water came out once more; they made it about themselves and not about God anymore. God did not get the glory in this situation.
They failed to make God number one in the eyes of the people of Israel and because God will not share His glory with any man, they did not make it to the promised land.
The same way God has commanded us in the New Testament to make Him number one in our hearts: 1 Peter 3:15 (AMP) But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord…….
When we do so, it will be clear to us and to everyone who sees us that He alone is to be worshipped.
In whatever exploits you do for God, either as a leader, or someone in a position of influence, always remember to depend on Him to do His work through you by praying and waiting on Him.
Also remember this one thing: It is not about you, it is all about God and His glory; He will not share His glory with any man.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT) – We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me that everything I am and all I do is for your glory. Give me the grace to depend on you daily. Help me to always point people to you and not to myself. In everything you do through me, please Lord, take all the glory. Amen.