Where Are Your Eyes Looking? - A FAITHFUL MAN LOST HIS PRIVILEGE

Moses certainly looked to Jehovah for direction.  The Bible tells us that "he continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible." (Read  Hebrews 11:24-27.)  It also says that "there has never again arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom Jehovah knew face-to-face." (Deuteronomy 34:10) But even though Moses was a close friend of Jehovah, he lost the privilege of entering the Promised Land. (Numbers 20:12)  What went wrong? 

Less than two months after the Israelites left Egypt, and before they even arrived at Mount Sinai, something serious happened.  The people started to complain because there was no water.  They began to murmur against Moses and  became so angry that "Moses cried out to Jehovah: 'What should I do with these people? A little longer and they will stone me!"  (Exodus 17:4)  Jehovah gave Moses clear instructions.  Jehovah told him to take his rod  and hit the rock in Horeb.  The Bible says:  "Moses did so before the eyes of Israel."  Then water came out., the Israelites had to plenty to drink, and the problem was solved. - EXODUS 17:5, 6. 

The Bible tells us that Moses named the place Massah, which means "Testing," and Meribah, which means "Quarreling." Why?  Because of the quarreling of the Israelites and because they put Jehovah to the test by saying: "Is Jehovah in our midst or not?" - EXODUS 17:7.  

How did Jehovah feel about what happened at Maribah?  He felt that the Israelites had rebelled against him and his authority, not just against Moses.  (Read Psalm 95:8, 9)  What the Israelites did was very wrong.  But Moses did the right thing. He looked to Jehovah and then carefully followed his instructions.  

Next time: Where Are Your Eyes Looking? - Conclusion of A FAITHFUL MAN LOST A PRIVILEGE

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