Wen-Wei's Devotion - 24 Jan 08

Read Numbers 17-20 this morning. Just like to share a simple thought from Numbers 20:12-13.

12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."
13 Those were the waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel contended with the Lord and He proved Himself holy among them

This is the fairly well known account of the Waters of Meribah, where Israel complained about not having water, Moses cries out to God, God tells Moses to speak to the rock, Moses strikes the rock instead, God rebukes Moses and tells him the consequence of his disobedience is that he would not lead Israel into the Promised Land.

What stuck me was the word "holy" in the above quoted verses. How did Moses' unbelief betray God's holiness? How did God "prove Himself holy among them"?

I think it is quite simply that holiness demands fearful obedience. Our unbelief and consequent self-directed actions (versus belief and God-directed actions) mocks God's holiness. God's holiness is then seen (proved) in 2 ways: Firstly, His commitment to His own word to save His people (seen in His provision of water despite Moses) and secondly, holiness demands justice (seen in His response to Moses).

1 Peter 1 aptly carries this thought for us:

15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behaviour,
16 because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to one's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation ....

What God said to me: Be holy this day
What I said to God: HELP!!!

Amen.