In this daily Bible reading is the account of Moses committing the sin that would prevent him from entering the promised land. Israel had traveled to the Wilderness of Zin which was void of water. The people became angry at Moses for leading them to such a desolated place. They even wished that they had died rather than suffer from thirst.
God then told Moses to speak to the rock from which waters would flow. However, Moses in his anger, struck the rock with his staff. Water did flow from the rock abundantly, and the people drank and watered their livestock. However, God was angry at Moses for striking rather than speaking to the rock.
God told Moses that neither Moses nor Aaron would be allowed to enter the promised land. Moses was God’s chosen instrument to lead Israel to the promised land. God greatly favored Moses. However, even God’s chosen instruments are capable of sinning.
The Bible says that those who are chosen by God are held to a higher standard. They are also punished more severely than those who are not given as much knowledge of right and wrong. Moses was punished, but he did not lose his favor with God.
