Process Matters 2

Numbers 20: 11-12 (NKJV)
Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.�

Moses had just performed a great Miracle, a desperately needed solution to the water problem facing the Nation of Israel. Water had been lacking in the camp and the people cried for a solution. Moses had to ask God for a way out and God gave him one. God told Moses to speak to a rock. However, Moses decided to go his way and do his style. He chose his own way over God’s instruction (process) by striking the rock instead of speaking as instructed. The interesting part of the story is that he got the result. Water gushed out for God’s people. God still honored His word to provide water but it cost Moses and Aaron their mandate of leading the people into the promised land.

This passage is important to understanding our Christian walk. ‘Result’ is not all that matters. God wants us to live by his instructions. It is not okay to get people into Christianity if we use ungodly gimmicks. It is not okay to raise money for the Lord’s work if we deceive people into giving. It is not okay to gain proceeds from corrupt deeds even if it is to meet a kingdom need. You may succeed in solving a personal, family, national or kingdom problem but go on to lose your soul. Hence, Jesus admonishes us in Mark 8:26 “for what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?â€� To the world “the end may justify the means, but to the Christian, the means justifies the end.

Go into day asking God to search your heart and lead you to repentance from trying to go your way. Prayer: Ask for grace to adhere to the words and instructions of God.
-Dr. Stephen O Ohize