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No Excuse for Sinning, April 14
Numbers 20:1-13
They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on
their account; for they made his spirit bitter, and he spoke words that
were rash.
Psalm 106:32, 33
, R.S.V.
Had Moses and Aaron been cherishing self-esteem or indulging a passionate
spirit in the face of divine warning and reproof, their guilt would have been far
greater. But they were not chargeable with willful or deliberate sin; they 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....
God had forgiven the people greater transgressions, but He could not deal
with sin in the leaders as in those who were led. He had honored Moses above
every other man upon the earth.... The fact that Moses had enjoyed so great
light and knowledge made his sin more grievous. Past faithfulness will not
atone for one wrong act. The greater the light and privileges granted to man, the
greater is his responsibility, the more aggravated his failure, and the heavier his
punishment.
Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would view the matter....
But if God dealt so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honored
servant, He will not excuse it in others.... All who profess godliness are under
the most sacred obligation to guard the spirit, and to exercise self-control under
the greatest provocation. The burdens placed upon Moses were very great; few
men will ever be so severely tried as he was; yet this was not allowed to excuse
his sin. 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
[111]
19
Patriarchs and Prophets, 419-421
.
113