JUNE 2, 2023 – JUSTICE AND GRACE

READ: Num. 20:2-13

Then I pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying: O Lord God, … let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, … But the Lord was angry with me on your account, … “Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift your eyes toward the west, the north, the south, and the east; behold it with your eyes,…” – Deut. 3:23-28

We read beautiful things about Moses. He was very meek (Num. 12:3), faithful to God, courageous towards Pharaoh (Num. 12:7, Heb. 11: 24-29), and a mediator and intercessor for sinful Israel (Ex. 20,32-34). Yet Moses was not perfect. When at Kadesh Israel again rebelled and grumbled against God due to lack of food and water, God showed patience, but Moses became angry and bitter (Ps. 106: 32,33). He ignored God’s command to speak to the rock, but he struck it twice with his staff to get water. He showed disbelief (Num. 20:12) and dishonored God before His people. 

God regarded this as a serious sin and punished Moses: he was not allowed to enter the promised land. Moses begged God for mercy, appealing to the powerful redemption work that God had shown him as His servant. Why is he not allowed to see the end result of it? But the LORD does not listen and says: Stop this, do not speak of it anymore. Moses’ punishment is also for Israel’s sake: their rebellion is a contributing factor. But that also means that Israel must realize that God does not tolerate sin, not even from His beloved ones. He asks more from those to whom He gives much. 

Even David, the man after God’s own heart, experiences God’s punishment, despite confessing his sin. This event also calls for Christ, the true Mediator. At the same time, we must continue to see the seriousness of our sins, that we make God angry with them. Only with sincere repentance can they be forgiven in Christ. Moses still experiences God’s grace to be allowed to see the Promised Land from Mount Pisgah. Later, he even gets to encourage the Lord Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration from heaven, together with Elijah. God’s grace is great, even with unanswered prayers.

What is God’s response to our sins?

Singing: Ps. 106:16,21