"Numbers 20:1–13, May 6, 2025 (Tuesday)"

Numbers 20:12The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

In the sorrow of losing his sister Miriam, who passed away and entered into rest, the Israelites once again faced the test of thirst. With no water available, they responded in a familiar pattern—grumbling against Moses and Aaron and regretting their decision to leave Egypt. In this situation, God gave Moses a clear instruction: take the staff and simply speak to the rock to bring forth water.

However, overcome by frustration and anger, Moses did not follow God’s command precisely. Instead, he struck the rock twice before the people. Although abundant water gushed out, quenching the thirst of both the people and their livestock, this action was an act of disobedience that failed to reflect God's holiness. As a result, this “Meribah incident” brought severe consequences to Moses and Aaron. They were no longer permitted to lead the people into the Promised Land they had longed for all their lives. This event powerfully reminds us how crucial it is for leaders to follow God's word precisely.

Have you ever experienced the disappointment of a lifelong hope being denied? I think I’ve felt anxious at times, unsure of whether things would ever work out, and even struggled with sadness in those moments. Looking back, I spent some of what should have been the brightest years—my teens and twenties—feeling uncertain and downhearted because I didn’t know what kind of life lay ahead.

Even in my thirties and forties, which I had hoped would be more settled, life didn’t feel all that secure. I often wondered how the generations before me managed to get through. Life has a way of not going according to plan—but that’s part of its mystery and, perhaps, its beauty. I call it beauty, but in truth, these moments could just as easily be called hardships and trials.

Moses and Aaron must have felt deeply discouraged. And yet, before the Israelites entered Canaan, Moses delivered some of the most powerful sermons to encourage the next generation. From this, we see that while life rarely unfolds the way we expect, how we choose to live it out and bring it to a close can make all the difference.

The weather is getting warmer. On this morning when summer seems to reach out its hand, why not take a walk in the sunshine?

Meditation

What kind of ending are you hoping for?

Intercessory Prayer

• The youth group is preparing for their summer retreat. Please keep them in prayer. The children’s ministry is also getting ready for Vacation Bible School. Announcements will be shared soon.

• Please pray for Yeolin Church—that it may grow stronger and flourish in the Spirit.