Numbers 20:7,8,12
‘The Lord said to Moses, “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. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”…
But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”
This is the second time The Lord provided water for the people at this place. The first time was in Exodus 17. Moses struck the rock and water gushed forth. This time Moses was to speak to the rock. Instead Moses struck the rock again. This disobediance forbid him from entering into the promised land.
Why was this such an offense? This story is a metaphor for forgiveness. The rock symbolizes the messiah. He is to be struck once. Jesus was crucified. This represents the cleansing of sins for all time. To receive this forgiveness, one must speak to Him. He doesn’t need to be struck again. A simple asking of forgiveness is all that’s necessary. When Moses hit the rock again, he distorted the metaphor The Lord was seeking to create.
Part of the point of the story is obediance. When we are asked to do something, we are to follow through as instructed. If it’s a biblical instruction, then it’s clear. Sometimes God asks us to do something by an impression in our hearts, a thought in our minds or through our consciences. This is subjective and isn’t as clear. Many things can interfere or give false impressions. However, The Lord will speak to us in that manner. We are to obey to the best of our ability.
Another point of the story is the wonder of forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” We don’t need to pay a penance. Any attempt to do so is voiding the contract. He did it. We can’t add to it. Simply ask for forgiveness. Speak to the Rock. This is a miracle. His sacrifice applies to any and all. The millions on earth, past, present and future can receive this forgiveness. The great power of God can applies to everyone.
Lord, help us to be obediant to Your words. Help us to discern them. Help us to also forever marvel at the great act of redemption You have performed.