1. The Bible highly commends Moses as the leader of Israel. a. Deuteronomy 34:10-12 b. Hebrews 3:5 2. As great as Moses was, he made a serious mistake when he struck a rock (Numbers 20:11). 3. In our lesson we are examining 2 occasions when Moses struck a rock. a. The first time Moses struck a rock is recorded in Exodus 17:1-6. b. The second time is recorded in Numbers 20:1-12. 4. As we study these 2 occasions when Moses struck a rock, we will: a. point out some similarities and some differences b. point out a mistake of Moses that is to be avoided c. point out a practical lesson that relates to worship. 5. Let us begin by pointing out some . . .
Discussion:
I. SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES
A. These 2 occasions when Moses struck a rock have some similarities. 1. Both occurred during the 40-year period when the Israelites traveled to Canaan. 2. Both involved Moses, the leader of Israel. 3. Both involved the need for water. 4. Both involved the Israelites murmuring against Moses. 5. Both involved a miraculous supply of water from a rock. B. These 2 occasions when Moses struck a rock have some differences. 1. God's instructions to Moses were different. a. (Exodus 17:6) "Smite the rock." b. (Numbers 20:8) "Speak ye unto the rock." 2. The reactions of Moses were different. a. (Exodus 17:6) Moses obeyed God's instruction -- he "did so." b. (Numbers 20:11) Moses disobeyed God's instruction -- he "smote the rock twice." 3. The destiny of Moses was different. a. (Exodus 17) He was allowed to proceed to the Promised Land. b. (Numbers 20) He was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.
II. MOSES MADE A MISTAKE THAT IS TO BE AVOIDED
A .The response of Moses in Numbers 20 indicates that he became angry. B. Some helpful instructions that relate to anger are given in: 1. Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32 2. James 1:19-20.
III. A PRACTICAL LESSON THAT RELATES TO WORSHIP
A. Moses was required to follow God's instructions at the time He gave them (earlier -- "smite"; later -- "speak"). B. The instructions God gave on the second occasion were not to be confused with those He gave on the first occasion. C. Illustration: 1. In the Psalms God was to be praised with instruments (Psalm 150). 2. In the New Testament God is to be praised in song (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). 3. Let us not make the same mistake that Moses made. 4. Let us worship the Lord in the way He authorizes (Colossians 3:17).
Conclusion:
1. Jesus is God's spokesman today (Hebrews 1:1-2), and He speaks to us in His New Testament (Hebrews 9:15). 2. Let us hear Him (Matthew 17:5).
