I was reading my bible and I was inspired, which I often am. The whole point of us meeting weekly is to share insights right? So, let’s get into it. 

I get inspired by so much, but not everything makes it here to the blog. The Lord directs me on what to share. It’s a “stuck” feeling, like I can’t move past specific scripture, a collection of thoughts or experiences. Then I start envisioning the written outline in my head on how to deliver it and that’s how I know it is a complete message to be shared. 

I’m studying my bible more in depth, re-reading scripture most are familiar with, but going through with a fine tooth comb. So join me in Numbers and Deuteronomy. [Spoiler Alert!!] Before reaching Deuteronomy, the bible has already made it known to the reader that Moses will not be leading the Israelites into the promised land due to his and Aaron’s mistrust and lack of honor towards the Lord.

The first three chapters (and several more to follow) of Deuteronomy are spent recounting the Israelites journey and touching on the major events that have taken place so far. In the span of four chapters, Moses repeatedly reminds the Israelites of his exclusion from the promised land of Canaan [Deut. 1:37, 3:23-26, 4:22]. 

If you circle back to Numbers 20:1-13, you’ll find the Israelite community complaining yet again. Moses was so exasperated and frustrated with the people that it led to him disobeying the Lord. The Lord instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water before the people, instead Moses struck the rock. We could infer that this happened likely out of anger and annoyance from the constant grumbling around him and possibly because he struck a rock in the past, expecting God to perform the miracle the same way He did previously.

Moses and Aaron were also found guilty of misplacing the honor that belonged to God and attributing it to themselves. If you notice the pronoun used was “we”. “…Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” [Numbers 20:10] Woah! All the signs and wonders performed by Moses were empowered by God. He allowed Moses to perform wonders before the people to build their faith in God and faith in Moses as a servant of the Lord. 

That’s when the thought was dropped in my spirit: Don’t let your emotions make you miss your inheritance. 

Moses did not control his anger, which was brought on by other people and surrounding circumstances, so it caused him to give into sin and that sin separated him from the blessing (the promised land). In that moment the Holy Spirit told me to tell you, do not lack self control. Don’t let the emotions of your flesh (anger, frustration, annoyance, etc.) cause you to act out. Be angry and do not sin [Ephesians 4:26].

According to Galatians 5:22-23 self control is a fruit of the Spirit. As believers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit and bear spiritual fruit. In Galatians, Paul lists specific behaviors that result from the Holy Spirit working in a Christian’s life, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. Jesus says we are known by our fruit. Producing the fruit listed by Paul, shows your connection to Christ and the desire to live like Him. 

I was saddened by God’s firm no to Moses regarding crossing the Jordan [Deut. 4:23-26]. Moses had done so much and had been leading the Israelites for years. It just felt unfair. However, God commands and deserves our obedience, especially from those in high spiritual positions. God is a fair God and sin does have consequences.

Dear friends, I encourage you to commit to loving God by keeping his commandments and being quick to obey in all areas of your life. The reward will be worth it!

See you next week!