Read: Exodus 2:11-12; 32:15-16, 19; Numbers 20:1-13
The old sinful nature wages war against the new life from God. The enemy tempts us to stray from righteousness. The Lord tests us throughout our lives to crucify the flesh and follow Christ.
Moses suffered from an uncontrolled temper and at times it manifested itself in explosive fashion. In a murderous, vindictive rage he killed an Egyptian. When Israel worshiped the golden calf, Moses gave way to a destructive anger as he hurled the written Word of God to the ground and destroyed the stone tablets.
As the forty-year wilderness wanderings came to a close, God tested Israel. Once again Israel had no water and quarreled against Moses. God gave Moses very specific instructions to meet the need, but Moses filled with fiery hostility against the people that he willfully deviated from God’s plan. This act of unbelief and disobedience cost Moses entrance into the Promised Land.
When we choose our own path, like Moses, instead of God’s direction, we demonstrate our unbelief. When we defiantly act out in public, it detracts from God’s glory. When we sin, there are always consequences to it. Regardless of how close we are to the Lord or how long we have walked with God, the battle of the flesh exists.
PRAYER PROMPT: Lord, may we be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for our anger does not accomplish your righteousness. Help us defeat sin in our lives.
Kevin Carrothers serves as director of missions for Salem South Baptist Association and is concluding his second one-year term as IBSA President.