Chapter 128 of 1163

NUMBERS 20

Leaders are often discouraged as they go through one trial after another. First, Miriam died, and Moses and Aaron mourned their only sister. Then the people began to complain again, for Egypt was still in their hearts. In the will of God, no place is an “evil place”; but when your inner desires are not spiritual, no place is a good place—except Egypt!

Leaders sometimes disobey God, as Moses did when he was angered by the people (Ps. 106:32–33). Water for drinking is a picture of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37–39), and the rock is a symbol of Christ (1 Cor. 10:4). Christ was smitten on the cross for us that we might receive the gift of the Spirit. He died but once, so Moses should not have smitten the rock again. Instead, he should have spoken to the rock.

Leaders are disciplined by God, for with privilege goes responsibility. Neither Moses nor Aaron was permitted to enter the Promised Land, although Moses was allowed to see the land from afar (Deut. 3:21–29).

Leaders are sometimes disappointed. Edom would not permit Israel to pass through the land despite the promises Moses gave. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother, and were therefore blood relatives to Israel; but they did not act like brethren.

It is not easy to be a leader, and we must pray for those whom God has made leaders in His service.

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