Sermon Archives
The Consequences of Kadesh
Deuteronomy 3:23-28Transitions: There is Joy in the Journey
Richard Taylor
May 13, 2018
Description:
There are always consequences for our disobedience. God had given Moses clear instructions to speak to the rock in Kadesh in order to provide water for the Israelites. Instead of listening to God, Moses wanted to do things his own way, so rather than speaking to the rock, he struck it. He partially obeyed the Lord by bringing water from the rock, but partial obedience is disobedience before the Lord. As a result of Moses’ disobedience, he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
This story of the Israelites demonstrates two contributing factors to our disobedience…
Frustration: The context of Numbers 20 suggests that Moses allowed his own frustration with the grumbling Israelites to control his actions. He acted out of anger and struck the rock. When we find ourselves frustrated with life, people, or circumstances, we are in those moments especially susceptible to disobedience. We can begin making decisions that come from a place of anger and bitterness rather than love and graciousness. This usually leads to disobedience.
Fear: Moses was not the only one kept out of the Promised Land; the original generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt was also kept out. Why? Because they also disobeyed by refusing to enter and take the land. Their disobedience was not the result of frustration as much as it was fear. Fearing failure, people, the loss of control, or anything else will not only paralyze us as believers, it will ultimately lead us to disobedience. Fear is not of God.
Frustration plus fear always equals failure. God has called us to be a people of faith, which leads to faithfulness. What are the primary sources of frustration in your life right now? What are the primary sources of fear? Do not be controlled by fear or frustration. They will lead you into disobedience and disobedience always has consequences.
Keywords:
Consequences, Judgment, Prayer, Unbelief