Be Strong

Be Strong and Courageous – Kadesh-Barnea to Canaan

Their wandering completed, the people arrived again at Kadesh (Numb 20:1). Despite their prior rebellion God had provided for their needs (Deut 8:3-5) and now a new generation would finish the journey to Canaan.

Moses disobedience at Meribah-Kadesh (Numb 20:1-13)

Though in both cases God provided water there are major differences here with the one forty years earlier at Horeb (Ex. 17). There it pictured Christ judged while here it is Christ resurrected.

For example at Horeb the word rock implies a "rock of refuge" (Ex 33:21-22) while here it signifies a "lofty fortress" symbolizing Christ ascended.

As well Moses brought his rod to Horeb - the rod of judgment used against Egypt. Here he was asked to carry Aaron's budded rod (Numb 17:7-11, 20:9) illustrating Christ's current priestly ministry.

Finally God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb typifying that Christ suffered once for sins (1 Pet 3:18) while here Moses was only to speak to the rock denoting that believers can now bring their requests to God in Christ's name.

Angrily striking the rock twice Moses blurred these distinctions and in punishment God barred both him and Aaron from entering the land.

Considering his offence notice first that Moses attempted to glorify himself (Numb. 20:10) instead of hallowing God (1 Cor 10:31).

Second he spoke harshly against God's people. Today let us refrain from speaking harshly against fellow believers because they are His beloved children.

Third he dishonoured a type of the Lord Jesus. Conversely let us honour Christ through faithfulness to God's symbols in the church (Acts 8:36-38, 1 Cor 11:2-34).

Finally there is a stricter judgment for all those who minister in the sight of the people (Numb. 20:12, Jam 3:1).

This incident also reminds us to pray for our leaders and refrain from testing them (Heb 13:17).

Second as we advance in age we must still watch and pray. Our enemy never quits and many faithful servants have failed in their later years (1 Kings 11:4).

Third our enemy will attack our strengths as well as our weaknesses; here Moses' greatest strength was tested – his meekness.

Finally the rock still produced water signifying that God's blessing is never proof that we are in His will (1 Kings 19:5-8).

King's highway (Numb 20:14-21)

Edom, Esau's descendants, refused Moses' request to pass through their land so Israel turned from their brother (Numb 20:14) and went around them.

As well when we attempt to travel the King's highway we will have potential conflicts. Wherever possible let's live at peace with all (Phil 4:5) especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our brotherly love is a testimony to the world that we are His disciples and we please God by keeping the peace even if it means suffering loss (1 Cor 6:7, Phil 2:3-4).

Brass serpent (Numb 21:4-9)

When the people complained against Him God sent fiery serpents among them. Upon their repentance God instructed Moses to make a brass serpent and put it upon a pole. All those bitten could look to it and live.

The brass, symbolizing judgment, was made in the image of the creature. Similarly Christ came in the likeness of men (Rom 8:3, Phil 2:7), was lifted up on a cross and judged for our sin (Rom 1:3, 2 Cor. 5:21, Heb 2:14). It is through the eyes of faith we look to Him for life (John 3:14-15).

Setting East of Jordan (Numb 32)

Seeing that Gilead was an excellent place to raise livestock, Reuben, Gad and later Manasseh asked to settle east of the Jordan River.

Concerned about morale, Moses felt that this could again discourage the people, but when they offered to fight alongside their brethren Moses acquiesced.

However to live separated from their people among hostile nations was not God's will and would exhibit a poor testimony to the world.

Similarly believers can sometimes choose the world's comforts over spiritual blessings. Instead we must remember that God's will is the safest place for ourselves and our families. In addition faithfully meeting (Heb 10:24-25) and battling together in prayer will encourage us, strengthen our unity and present a clear testimony to others.

Death of Moses (Deut 32:48-52, 34:1-8)

Before dying Moses could only view the land from Mount Nebo. Demonstrating that the law could never bring us into our inheritance (Rom 8:3), Moses passed the torch to Joshua ("Jehovah the Saviour"). By God's grace it is only Christ that can lead us to victory and into our spiritual blessings (John 1:17).

It was also by God's grace Moses had the privilege of entering the land many years later in the presence of our Lord (Matt 17:3).

Crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3-4)

Once the ark entered the Jordan River, the waters receded allowing Israel to pass through. This illustrates our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. The twelve stones left in the river symbolize the death of our old life and the twelve memorial stones set up at Gilgal symbolize our new life in Christ.

Today believers are commanded to demonstrate this truth through public baptism (Acts 2:41).

Gilgal (Joshua 5)

God commanded Joshua to circumcise all men, this sign of God's covenant with Abraham having ceased in the wilderness. The reproach of Egypt (their failure to enter the land) rolled away; they now completely depended upon God while healing.

Concluding their preparation with the Passover they began marching courageously forward, trusting God for victory in every place they walked (Josh 1:3).

Similarly believers have a circumcision of the heart (Rom 2:28-29, Phil 3:3, Col 2:11) which is spiritual and involves the whole body. Abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5), putting no confidence in the flesh, let us resolve to enter into the spiritual blessings He has given us (Eph 1:3).

George Ferrier

Counsel Magazine 2011