Comments on: Just So You Know…

By: Denise Boulanger

Denise Boulanger — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:54:39 +0000

I think that this and all of the comments so far have been very insightful..Lots to think about. As a Layminister of Word and Sacrament, I am still learning the ropes. I know I have come far in my understanding but I see that I still have so far to go! I keep thinking about listening to God’s every word. Moses strikes the rock, not once but twice. Something he has done before right? But here, it is like he is bringing honor to himself rather than to God. It’s almost like saying “look what I can do” not thinking that we (none of us) can do ANYTHING without God. I also think of Joshua, even though he was “filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him” this story ends with “For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Isreal.” It is saying – even with an amazing teacher, Joshua was good but not great…

By: Josh Blakesley

Josh Blakesley — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:55:32 +0000

So here’s the grace in the story for me. Yes, it is an unhappy ending. Yes, it’s disappointing. But this, I believe, is the point. Why else would our Jewish brothers and sisters continue to end their Torah readings with this episode and then return to Genesis 1? We’re all in that unrealized, unfulfilled journey of faith with our God. We stand with Moses, seeing the finish line, the end zone–but we just cannot reach it. So we’re pushed [hard, I might add] to believe in good promises even when we’re disappointed. That’s faith, of course. There’s no pat on the back, pretty diploma, condo under the palm trees in Jerusalem–none of that waits for us. I for one find much hope in this, actually. For if during my disappointing, failure-type moments, God is still there, speaking, showing me promises that will be fulfilled–I hope. Then I have faith. Then I act it out in love. Hope that’s helpful.

By: Marshall Pease

Marshall Pease — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:53:42 +0000

As for striking the rock at Meribah, see Ex 17:6 where striking the rock is commanded explicitly.

In Numbers, Moses says, “… you rebels! Must we bring …. ” He separates himself from the people, puts himself and Aaron above them morally; and he claims that he and Aaron are the effective agents. Not exactly how a Suffering Servant speaks, and not the only example of Moses’ stiff neck: think about Ex 32:19!!!

Joshua wasn’t exactly a suffering servant either, but that’s another story.

By: Danielle Shroyer

Danielle Shroyer — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:45:40 +0000

John and Becky- I see your point, and frankly I hadn’t thought before about the fact that Moses invariably would have had responsibility if he had gone into the promised land. And I’m sure he had had enough of that already. The problem is the Scripture does not frame this as “God wanted to give Moses a break after all those years leading such stiff-necked people, so Moses retired to Florida.” It says he wasn’t able to enter because of what happened at Meribah. So whether that freed him of responsibility or not, it’s still a harsh outcome. Seems like God could have given Moses the choice, or appointed a new leader so Moses could retire in peace. I just don’t think that was the case here.

Jeff- agreed, faithfulness is the key. But what a punch in the gut, eh?

By: jeff

jeff — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:08:49 +0000

Great and honest insight here. I have served churches where I felt like I left before experiancing the prize of my work. Sometimes it does seem as if God is not fair. But I have come to see that God never calls us to fairness. God calls us to faithfulness. The question I propose is: “Is being faithful enough?” I love your image of the cheap gold watch! Wow and ouch.—Good news? God never did promise Mosses a happy ending. He simply promised to be with Him along the journey. This is no “pie in the sky” theology. This story is about a real relationship. Good stuff.

By: Becky Downs

Becky Downs — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:48:10 +0000

Okay, but what would have happened if he HAD gone into the promised land? Basically, it was just a lot more hard work for the people once they got there. I mean, yeah, you’d think Moses would get more than a good look at the place, but maybe that was all he needed. Then he could see that what he had worked for his whole damn life was really going to happen for the people. Sort of like, if a parent dies before her grandchild is born, but knows that her daughter is pregnant and healthy– no, you don’t every see the baby, but you know it’s gonna be there and everyone will be good.

By: John Golden

John Golden — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 12:22:16 +0000

Can’t tell if you’re playing devil’s advocate here. This was God snapping back at Moses? I think of God as a pretty good problem solver, and this is the response that’s best for him and for Israel. We know God is filled with love and mercy – sometimes we need to look for it. Being allowed to rest after a supernaturally long, hard job could be the blessing. A lesson to Israel that it’s God, not Moses is crucial and always on the people’s agenda. Keep looking!