THE SIN OF MOSES AND AARON

The Sin of Moses and Aaron

“ ‘Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift your eyes toward the west, the north, the south, and the east; behold it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan’ ”
(Deut. 3:27, NKJV).




I Did It My Way
Kristi Geraci, Belgrade, Montana, U.S.A.
Introduction
Num. 20:1−13

Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way” topped the charts in the 1960s and remains popular today. Its words ring true for Moses’ sin as well: “I did it my way.” Miriam, Moses’ sister, had just died. The Israelites, once again, were rebelling against God and crying to go back to Egypt. Moses, fed up with their complaining, did things his way; instead of obeying God’s orders to speak to the rock, Moses struck the rock with his staff. The interesting part of this story is that God still sent forth water from the rock in spite of Moses’ disobedience. God’s compassion and justice shone through. Instead of making a fool of Moses and giving the complainers one more item to add to their why-we-should-return-to-Egypt list, water poured from the rock, quenching the thirst of the good, the bad, and the four-legged creatures alike.

God’s compassion and justice shone through.

Justice had to be served, however. Moses and Aaron were punished for striking the rock instead of talking to it. They were no longer permitted to lead the clans of Israel into Canaan. They had struggled through 40 years in the desert, guiding a quarreling, grumbling, complaining people, all the while looking forward to settling at last in the Promised Land. But with one thoughtless action, they forfeited their opportunity to lead their people into the homeland God had pledged to give them. That privilege was given to the charge of another.

That seems a high price to pay for disobedience. For those who have much light, however, much is required. Moses had had many walks and talks with God as a leader of God’s people. What if he had spoken to the rock? The Israelites already knew that God could send water from a rock that had been hit—but talking to a rock? Who had ever heard of something like that? If Moses and Aaron had focused on God’s glory instead of their own frustrations, God’s purposes could have been held up before Israel. How much stronger could the people’s faith have grown had the leaders not acted like the people they were leading.

As you study this week’s lesson, consider the importance of obeying God’s commandments—and His mercy when we do not.

REACT
1. Have you ever done something your way instead of God’s way? What was the outcome? How would you do it differently now?
2. How can you be sure that you are following God’s way?



The Plan of Salvation
Phil Vecchiarelli IV, Kinlichee, Arizona, U.S.A.
Logos
Numbers 20; 21; John 3:14, 15; James 4:4–15

Sin Enters (Prov. 29:23)
Israel needed food and water. As they arrived at Kadesh, they saw neither. This wasn’t the first time both necessities had been missing. See Exodus
15:22–25; 17:1–7; and Numbers 20:8.

In the Bible, bad news is always followed by good news.

When Moses was on his face before God, God gave him wisdom. When Moses disobeyed God’s command, he was sentenced to die in the wilderness. Before he struck the rock, he took the credit for the miracle about to happen: “Must we bring water?” (Num. 20:10, NKJV; italics supplied). This disobedience, this rebellion meant that Moses would die without seeing the Promised Land.

Moses Finds a Way (Num. 21:4)
Moses had no reason to carry on; but he set his eyes on the Promised Land and desired to get his people there anyway. However, Edom was in the way, and Edom didn’t trust Israel.
Israel was named after the patriarch, Jacob, who was named Israel by Jesus. Edom had a patriarch, too, and his name was Esau, the brother of Jacob. Jacob, and thus Israel, was known for his betrayal of Esau, and Edom had learned from these past experiences not to trust Israel. Moses promised Israel would not interfere with Edom as they passed through, but their access was denied anyway.

Israel did not need to fight their way past Edom. Moses took it upon himself to find a different route (Num. 21:4). Likewise, we do not need to work our way back into heaven’s courts after sin. Christ found a different route. He found a way to fight the war for us, and by His stripes we are healed (Isa. 53:5).

The Power of Forgiveness (James 4:7–10)
It was now time for Aaron to say Goodbye to the rest of the travelers. However, as he was drawing close to death, certain rebellions came to mind, most notably, the golden calf (Exodus 32). Aaron must have been worried about his salvation, but God was not. “All their [Moses’ and Aaron’s] powers had been developed, exalted, and dignified by communion with the Infinite One. Their life had been spent in unselfish labor for God and their fellow men; their countenances gave evidence of . . . firmness and nobility of purpose.”*

Do you see the amazing things said about Aaron at the close of his life? Read James 4:7–10. If Aaron had had the New Testament, these words of James would have been inspiring to the old and tired high priest.

In the Bible, bad news is always followed by good news. Aaron was a sinner. God forgave him. Read the bad news of Romans 3:23, and then read the good news that follows in verse 24.

Christ Became a Serpent for Us? (John 3:14, 15; Rom. 6:10)
From Genesis to Revelation, the snake represents Satan. That’s why this story in Numbers 21 can be confusing. As the people continued their sinful murmuring around Edom, fiery serpents began to bite them, and many people even died. They admitted their crime and went to their mediator, Moses, for help. Then the story takes a strange turn. A serpent is lifted up and eyes turn to it. Those who look are instantly healed.

The fiery serpents are the consequences of sin, while the bronze serpent is Christ. Christ lowered Himself, so that we could lift Him up as He took the consequences of our sins. No other religion has God becoming man, in order to help humankind. Never forget how special that is.

Victory in Jesus (Rom. 13:11, 12; 1 John 1:9)
Any parent knows how often they tell their children that they “complain too much.” Israel was that child. They also had their fair share of sins, rebellions, revolts, and faithless blunders. How is it then that God could continue to move them toward the Promised Land? Read about His forgiveness in Romans 3:24 and 1 John 1:9.

Israel had seen some tough times, but they also had seen God do many wonders. As Israel “wandered” farther from Egypt, they journeyed closer to God. Israel was the “church militant” (including the three major victories found in Numbers 20; 21) and was becoming the “church triumphant.” Soon after their victories over the southern Canaanites, the Amorites, and the residents of Bashan, they camped on the bank of the Jordan River, ready to claim what was theirs. Meditate on the words of Paul in Romans 13:11, 12. Are we as a church ready to wake up and become the “church triumphant”? We all have sinned, but Christ found a way to save us. He offered Himself as our ransom. He offers us forgiveness and grants us complete victory.

REACT
1. Why did the rock spew water for the people, even though Moses disobeyed God?
2. How is the church to be militant? How can the church become triumphant?
____________
*Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 425.



How Bad Is “The
Sinfulness of Sin”?
Twyla Geraci, Belgrade, Montana, U.S.A.
Testimony
James 4:7

“The history of Israel was to be placed on record for the instruction and warning of coming generations. Men of all future time must see the God of heaven as an impartial ruler, in no case justifying sin. But few realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Men flatter themselves that God is too good to punish the transgressor. But in the light of Bible history it is evident that God’s goodness and His love engage Him to deal with sin as an evil fatal to the peace and happiness of the universe.”1

“Press toward the mark for the prize.”

In this era of forgiveness and tolerance, it is sometimes difficult to grasp the concept of “the exceeding sinfulness of sin.” But in His goodness and mercy, God has also provided “the rest of the story,” as the late news-commentator Paul Harvey would say.

“We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us.”2
“God has made ample provision for His people; and if they rely upon His strength, they will never become the sport of circumstances. The strongest temptation cannot excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer.”3

“Run the Christian race with patience, and rise superior to every temptation, however grievous it may be, that shall come to you. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God; and if you are desirous of taking the first upward step, you will find His hand stretched out to help you.”4

REACT
If you know the “rest of the story” of the controversy between good and evil, how does that change the way you live today?
____________
1. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 420.
2. Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 31.
3. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 421.
4. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 79.



Two Strikes and You’re Out
Danny Williams, La Vida Mission, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Evidence
Num. 20:8, 11

In Numbers 20, we find the weary leader of an ungrateful group being put to yet another test. Moses had led them under the instruction of God for 40 years. He had patiently put up with all their complaining, often prostrating himself before God on their behalf.

This moment of weakness cost them dearly.

Now the people gather against him and Aaron again. They feel God has led them to an evil place and desires that they and their animals die of thirst. No wonder Moses and Aaron are angry. But instead of being angry because God has been insulted, they are incensed because of all they’ve had to bear. Instead of following God’s instructions in the matter, they let their anger and impatience get the best of them. This moment of weakness cost them dearly.

Moses and Aaron “had been overcome by a sudden temptation, and their contrition was immediate and heartfelt. The Lord accepted their repentance, though because of the harm their sin might do among the people, He could not remit its punishment.”*

Many of the faithful leaders in our church have been criticized and murmured against for sticking to the commands of God. We the members (just like Israel of old) are apt to quote popular maxims and to arrive at our own decisions apart from the counsel of God. We then expect the leaders to carry out our demands despite their convictions or promptings from the Holy Spirit.

Can you think of other examples of leadership who succumbed to pressure? Aaron did earlier in the desert trek, when the people begged him to make them an idol to worship while Moses was in the mountain. Pilate didn’t want to crucify Jesus, but he was afraid to stand up to the crowd demanding Jesus’ death. Won’t it be interesting to find out, on Judgment Day, how many leaders have lost their way due to pressure from those they are leading?

Nevertheless, God expects those whom He has chosen to be leaders to stay true to principle, regardless of pressure. As for members of the flock, it is a positive calling to seek the knowledge of God and be in tune with His will, so that we can be supportive of the leaders instead of being a stumbling block.

REACT
What can we derive from Hebrews 13:17? How might the outcome at Meribah have been different if the children of Israel had followed this advice?
____________
*Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 419.



Why God Gets Angry
Gayle Smith, La Vida Mission, New Mexico, U.S.A.
How-to
Numbers 20

When reading the Bible, I often ponder the question, “Why?” Why would God do that? Why did He respond that way? So today, let’s contemplate the “Why?” so we can learn something about God and ourselves as well.

Wouldn’t we be afraid?

Read Numbers 20 in a translation other than the one you normally use. Sometimes this breaks us out of the “I’ve heard that story a million times” mode and gives us a fresh perspective.

As you read, put yourself in the place of the characters of the story. In Numbers 20:1, we learn that Miriam dies. Next we read that the people are complaining to Moses about water. We need to ask ourselves how it would feel to learn that Miriam died. How would it feel to be out in the desert with no water? Wouldn’t we be afraid? But God had taken care of many similar problems in the past. The children of Israel had ample opportunities to see His provision so that by this time they should have trusted Him. How did God feel about the people complaining all the time?

Examine the text for evidence of God’s justice and mercy, not only for the individuals concerned, but for the long-term well-being of the people of Israel, the instruction of the nations around them, and even the universe. Make a chart to help you reason this out. On one side of a sheet of paper, state why God’s actions seem unfair, and for whom. On the other side, state why God’s actions are fair, and who benefits from these actions. Consider these issues: (a) Why were the consequences so severe for this one sin? Did God treat the leaders differently from the people they were leading? Why? (Read Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 37.) (b) Did the people learn to trust God? In the next chapter, they once again complain. Read Numbers 21:5. Do we complain when what God provides isn’t exactly what we want? How did God try to help Israel develop trust? Why was it important for them to demonstrate trust to the nations around them?

Again and again God gives consequences, and again and again He forgives and heals. This example of wilderness rebellion teaches us about the seriousness of disobedience. It also offers a beautiful example of His love and of His provision for our greatest needs—pardon for our sins and reconciliation with Him.



No Excuse
Cheryl Des Jarlais, Ronan, Montana, U.S.A.
Opinion
Exod. 32:7−11;
Num. 20:9−12

The people of Israel are being unreasonable again. It’s no wonder that poor old Moses and Aaron, as patient as they’ve been through all these years, have lost their cool. But not a word does God say about the people’s rebellion, though He has said plenty about it in times past. Now all His reproach falls on His two leaders who, in a moment of passion, have spoken angrily to this belligerent people.

No one could ever say that God plays favorites.

While Aaron has had a rather spotty record of leadership, Moses has never failed the children of Israel until now. With every problem, he has turned to God as the real Owner of all the problems that had been involved in leading Israel to the Promised Land. When God angrily said to Moses, “ ‘Your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt,’ ” Moses reminded Him, “ ‘Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt?’ ” (Exod. 32:7, 11, NKJV; emphasis supplied).

God wants His people to recognize that He is their Leader, and Moses is His servant, following His direction. Moses has been faithful to acknowledge this before the people. Until now. “ ‘Must we bring water for you out of this rock?’ ” Moses cries out to the crowd, and in so doing, publicly accepts personal responsibility for the leadership of the people (Num. 20:10, NKJV).

In this moment of weakness, Moses undid much of his witness to God’s ownership and leadership. If God had not dealt swiftly with this failing, His people would have felt that great provocation is an excuse for sin. This was a critical issue that God had to make perfectly clear. There is never any excuse for sin. If there were, there would have been no need for Christ to die. Humbly, Moses acknowledged the justice of his punishment. No one could ever say that God plays favorites. Sin is so terrible, that even a small slip in patience has long-term consequences. While God abundantly forgave Moses and Aaron, He could not excuse their sin. What a blessing that He has promised that He will never forsake us, that He is ever ready to deliver us from the power of evil.

REACT
1. If Moses constantly needed God’s grace in the face of temptation, how much more do we need to depend on Him to guide us?
2. What are your favorite texts that encourage you in regard to God’s power to keep you from temptation?



Gratitude and
Obedience
Lynette Georgeson, Spokane, Washington, U.S.A.
Exploration
Num. 20:15, 16
CONCLUDE

Is it human nature to remember only the bad things that have happened in our lives? The Israelites certainly demonstrated that kind of thinking. For all that God had done for them, taking them out of Egypt and caring for them all across the desert, they were quick to protest when something did not quite live up to their expectations. Like petulant children, they complained. Moses and Aaron tried to be good parents, turning to God for answers. However, they eventually lost their tempers with the children, at great personal cost. God deserves gratitude and obedience for His many gifts.

CONSIDER
•Mapping out the route delineated in Numbers 20 and 21. Calculate the • extra distance walked because Edom denied passage to Israel.
•Comparing and contrasting the actions taken by Israel against Edom and against the Canaanites. Why such different measures?
•Writing or e-mailing someone in your life with whom you have been quarreling, remembering that while God did not remove the consequences of Aaron’s and Moses’ behavior, He did forgive them.
•Role-playing Moses’ part of the conversation with God after striking the rock rather than speaking to it.
•Interviewing someone you consider to be a pillar in your church or life.
• Ask this person how he or she has dealt with temptation and obedience in his or her life.
•Reflecting on how fortunate you are to have food and water at your dis• posal and considering the fact that at times, you still have trouble obeying God.
•Studying the Sinai wilderness environment in an encyclopedia or biblical commentary. Try to figure out what a large group of people would require to survive in a situation like the one in which the Israelites existed, if God had not provided for their needs.

CONNECT
Psalm 78:17–55.
Patriarchs and Prophets, chapters 37, 38.