The Straw that Broke Moses’ Back???
Numbers chapter 20 records a lesson that most Bible students are familiar with. The heart of the lesson revolves around Moses and his emotions that got the better of him at the rock in Kadesh, along with the consequences that followed. I remembered a lot about Numbers 20, but I didn’t remember everything.
As I sat down to reread this chapter I remembered clearly the immense pressure that this great leader was under. I remembered that the people had gathered against him again. I remembered that they were complaining about his leadership again. I remembered that their hearts were looking back on all of their “fond memories” back in Egypt again. I remembered Moses cracking…metaphorically with his anger and literally with the stick. I remembered the heart breaking consequence of Moses’ decision to hit the rock instead of speaking to it.
One thing that I didn’t remember about Numbers 20 was how the chapter began! The chapter begins with the passing of Moses’ sister. When I read that, it caused me to stop and think. When I read that, it caused me to have more sympathy for Moses. When I read that, it caused me to wonder if the loss of Miriam had anything to do with Moses’ shorter than normal fuse at this stage in his life.
I’m not saying that Miriam’s death is an excuse for what happened in Kadesh . I’m just saying that sometimes the pressures of life build up. I’m just saying that when the “straws” of life build up, we need to be careful that we don’t let them break what we may not be able to put back together. While we will probably never find ourselves in the same sandals as Moses when it comes to leading a nation, we can probably all relate to having “straws” that pile up in life.
What do you think?
Stephen R. Bradd 11:27 am on March 20, 2012 Permalink |
Quite possible, my friend.
The thing that strikes me when I read Numbers is how much of a real shepherd Moses is to Israel. He’s the antithesis of a hireling, that’s for sure. My character and compassion is but a fraction of this great man’s (no wonder he was blessed with the role of deliverer and mediator).
Eugene Adkins 5:02 pm on March 20, 2012 Permalink |
Absolutely. I remember the first time I studied the book of Exodus in depth and before I was finished I came out with a better perspective and appreciation for Moses and his love for God as a servant, and his patience with the people of Israel as a leader.
Thanks for sharing, Stephen.