Religion in the Daily Life
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the school of Christ. Your ideas have been perverted; you must not
now lean to your own understanding. You cannot be saved unless your
spirit is changed. Notwithstanding the fact that Moses was the meekest
man that lived upon the earth, on one occasion he drew the displeasure
of God upon himself. He was harassed greatly by the murmuring of
the children of Israel for water. The undeserved reproaches of the
people which fell upon him led him for a moment to forget that their
murmuring was not against him, but against God; and instead of being
grieved because the Spirit of God was insulted, he became irritated,
offended, and in a self-willed, impatient manner struck the rock twice
saying: “Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this
rock?” Moses and Aaron put themselves forward in God’s place, as
though the miracle had been wrought by them. They did not exalt God,
but themselves, before the people. Many will ultimately fail of eternal
life because they indulge in a similar course.
Moses revealed great weakness before the people. He showed
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a marked lack of self-control, a spirit similar to that possessed by
the murmurers. He should have been an example of forbearance
and patience before that multitude, who were ready to excuse their
failures, disaffections, and unreasonable murmurings, on account of
this exhibition of wrong on his part. The greatest sin consisted in
assuming to take the place of God. The position of honor that Moses
had heretofore occupied did not lessen his guilt, but greatly magnified
it. Here was a man hitherto blameless, now fallen. Many in a similar
position would reason that their sin would be overlooked because of
their long life of unwavering fidelity. But no; it was a more serious
matter for a man who had been honored of God to show weakness of
character in the exhibition of passion than if he had occupied a less
responsible position. Moses was a representative of Christ, but how
sadly was the figure marred! Moses had sinned, and his past fidelity
could not atone for the present sin. The whole company of Israel was
making history for future generations. This history the unerring pen of
inspiration must trace with exact fidelity. Men of all future time must
see the God of heaven is a firm ruler, in no case justifying sin. Moses
and Aaron must die without entering Canaan, subjected to the same
punishment that fell upon those in a more lowly position. They bowed
in submission, though with anguish of heart that was inexpressible;
but their love for and confidence in God was unshaken. Their example