Moses and Bitterness

Moses became bitter and it caused him to sin. He became bitter because the people didn’t want to follow his leadership.

Was his leadership God ordained? Without question, who can deny a burning bush? Was he being guided by God? There is no question, a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. Did the people want to go where Moses said they needed to go? Not a chance. Not even a little. In fact if you read the Exodus story you will find a recurring theme of people who don’t want to follow.

It is easy to blame the people, to be angry with them but look what that did for Moses. In Numbers 20:2-13 we see the consequences for Moses the leader.

Moses was angry. He was tired. If you read the story surely you will understand his frustration. The people are never satisfied. What God is doing is never enough. They want food, God gives them food, and the food isn’t good enough.

The Bible says the people are arguing with Moses. Can’t be a joyous place for a leader. God tells Moses to give them water, probably the first inclination that while God doesn’t like their attitudes he understands. God gives them water and tells Moses how it is going to be done. Call out to the rock and they will have water.

That is not what Moses does. He strikes the rock twice. In the text you can hear Moses frustration with the people. The way he addresses them. What he calls them. Moses takes their actions personal and yet the God who called him and is guiding them offers water.

God is not happy with Moses. God still gives them water but look what he says to Moses. “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

So think about it. The very people who show disrespect and complain. The very people who don’t want to listen or be led. They have the opportunity to see the promised land while Moses and Aaron don’t.

Moses anger and frustration got the best of him. They failed to honor God. Their focus was on their frustration instead of God. Their concern was to make a point to the people who didn’t want to follow instead of to make a point to the God who faithfully brought them out. God was going to get what he wanted done whether the people were on board or not.

It is a good reminder for me. Leadership focused on the people is destined to fail. Leadership focused on honoring God can never go wrong. It doesn’t mean it won’t be hard or that you won’t become frustrated but it does mean you are trusting God.

May I focus on God.

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