“The Sin of Moses and Aaron”
Larry R Evans
[Class notes will be posted on Friday]
Reflective Introduction
During the best of times leadership isn’t easy but when worn and beaten down by a people who are critical and grumbling it can be especially difficult to remain confident in God’s leading. Such was the case of Moses.
“It was in the time of greatest weakness that Christ was assailed by the fiercest temptations. Thus Satan thought to prevail. By this policy he had gained the victory over men. When strength failed, and the will power weakened, and faith ceased to repose in God, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right were overcome. Moses was wearied with the forty years’ wandering of Israel, when for the moment his faith let go its hold upon infinite power. He failed just upon the borders of the Promised Land.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 120)
This week we will highlight a few of the lessons which can be learned from the experience of loyal but weary leaders whom God used to change the course of history.
Reflective Introduction
During the best of times leadership isn’t easy but when worn and beaten down by a people who are critical and grumbling it can be especially difficult to remain confident in God’s leading. Such was the case of Moses.
“It was in the time of greatest weakness that Christ was assailed by the fiercest temptations. Thus Satan thought to prevail. By this policy he had gained the victory over men. When strength failed, and the will power weakened, and faith ceased to repose in God, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right were overcome. Moses was wearied with the forty years’ wandering of Israel, when for the moment his faith let go its hold upon infinite power. He failed just upon the borders of the Promised Land.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 120)
This week we will highlight a few of the lessons which can be learned from the experience of loyal but weary leaders whom God used to change the course of history.
Reflective Quiz
1. The sin which kept Moses from entering the promised land was hitting the rock twice to get water. [Num.20:1-13] True or False?
2. We are not held accountable for mistakes made when adverse personal situations weigh heavily upon us. [Num. 20:1-3] True or False?
3. The “saints” can challenge our patience but how we respond to our worst critics has cricitical implications beyond them. [Num. 20:1-13] True or False?
4. God is concerned with decisions which set precedents for the future. [Num. 20:1-3; PP 417] True or False?
5. When key leaders die the mission of God is put in jeopardy. [Num. 20:23-29] True or False?
6. Grudges from one generation can be passed onto the next. [Num:20:14-21] True or False?
7. An attitude of ingratitude can lead to other more serious sins. [Num.20:1-5] True or False?
8. Sometimes the best way to appreciate a blessing is to lose it. [Num. 21:5-9] True or False?
9. If we fail a test of faith it will be brought back to us again and may be more difficult the next time around. [Num.21:32-35] True or False?
10. Lessons from Israel’s sins of rebellion helped others in New Testament times to accept Jesus. [John 3:5-21; 19:39] True or False?
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