We continue our new sermon series looking at faulty heroes in the bible. Preaching from guest speaker Moises Mendoza.
Bible Reading: passage Numbers 20:1-13 (NIV)
Israel’s Rebellion
Exodus 32 – Golden calf idol.
Numbers 11 – Complaining about Manna.
Numbers 12 – Rebellion of Miriam and Aaron.
Numbers 13-14 – Failed to trust God to get them into the promise land.
Numbers 16 – Korah’s rebellion
Exodus 17 – Water from the Rock
The situation looks almost identical, but the outcomes are very different!
Numbers 20
Numbers 20 takes place on the 40th year after the Exodus.
It is filled with sad and unfortunate events.
Israel continue complaining: “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!” (v.5.)
Moses and Aaron seek God (v.6.)
Moses outburst
- Was Moses disappointed that God had not judged his people as He had done time after time?
- Was the death of his sister a contributing factor to how Moses reacted?
- Or was it the realisation that after 40 years in the wilderness the people hadn’t changed, the people were as rebellious as ever?
Moses & Aaron’s offence
- Failed to trust God
Moses was disappointed with God.
Deuteronomy 32:32-35 & Rom.12:19
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD”.
- Dishonoured God’s holiness
The disobedience of God’s chosen servants brought into question God’s holiness and sovereignty among the people.
A Harsh punishment
Why such a harsh punishment?
Moses and Aaron were responsible as leaders and in representing God to the people.
James 3:1 “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Those in leadership, and those with responsibility are in greater danger of losing more when they fall.
Glimmer of light
God’s divine grace
God honours Moses and Aaron even in their humiliation.
God show’s mercy to the people of Israel.
Takeaways
- We can trust God in all circumstances and struggles.
- God is holy, his commandments are sacred, and we live life surrendered to him.
- Even God’s judgement, God shows mercy.
Home-group Questions
Questions:
- Have there been times where you ‘rebelled’ against God? What caused this to happen?
- Why do you think Moses acted in the way he did in verse 10-11?
- Taking into consideration Moses and Aaron’s relationship with God, do you still think they were given a harsh punishment? Or was it justified? Why?
- Which of the 3 takeaways do you struggle with applying/remembering the most? Why?
Bonus question… answer at your own risk.
We do not know if Moses and Aaron repented of their sin.
But if Moses and Aaron repented do you think God would have allowed them to enter the promise land?
Sermon Details
Sermon Title: Flowing with Trouble
Bible Reading: Numbers 20:1-13
Preacher: Moises Mendoza
Worship Leader: Brian Dickson
