WE MUST FINISH STRONG

The Children of Israel loved to complain. No matter what God did for them over DECADES. It was not only the miracle of crossing the Red Sea on dry land. 

Their shoes and their clothes did not wear out. 

God rained down bread from heaven. 

He had many quail descend on them inviting themselves to be killed for dinner. 

He covered them with a cloud to protect them from the heat. 

He gave them a pillar of fire by night. 

Still they complained.

Aaron sinned of course with the golden calf.

He was well aware of his shortcomings but was faithful for DECADES.

Moses was faithful to the word of the Lord for DECADES.

The people tried them constantly.

They complained about water.

They complained that Moses was an autocrat.

They complained about having to move around.

Yet Moses and Aaron were remarkably resilient even though their authority was constantly questioned.

With Canaan close by, with the prior faithless generation dead and gone, there were still complaints.

Moses and Aaron were at their wits end.

Water was sorely needed,

God heard their cries and told Moses to SPEAK to the rock and water would come out.

In the past, Moses was to strike the rock and he did so.

This time is was supposed to SPEAK to the rock.

Instead he with Aaron's full approval, struck the rock TWICE, and water came out.

He told the people that he and Aaron had to get the water out of the rock for them.

They had nothing to do with it - God brought forth the water.

Men are not able to do that.

Yet they took credit.

BOTH Moses and Aaron, despite steadfast and LONG ministries were BARRED from entering the Promised Land. BOTH died in the Wilderness. God was in fact saying, "What have you done for me lately?"  In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul said, "But I keep my body and bring it under subjection: lest by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a CASTAWAY.  The Greek word translated CASTAWAY is used EIGHT TIMES in the New Testament, and synonyms include REPROBATE  and REJECTED.  Check out Titus 1:16, 1 Timothy 3:8, Ephesians 5:1-21 and Galations 5:16-25.

Many are proud of how they have stood against rebellion and evil all their lives. Yet pride comes before destruction!  Moses and Aaron, for all the good they did, died in the wilderness and could not enter Canaan. Many pastors and other Christians today are compromising right and left. They are conforming to this world rather than being TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of their minds,  This is a life-long process, not a one-time deal.  Like the Eagle, we need to be constantly renewed.  Brothers and Sisters, we have to abide in Christ, and we can NEVER out our stamp of approval that which contradicts the Bible, that which contradicts the character of God, and that which proceeds from our own wills rather than the will of God.

It is great to start strong, but do not be proud -be humble and submit to God so you can FINISH STRONG.  Learn what God has for you to learn, and know that he expects you to remain faithful to him and to walk circumspectly in the free salvation once delivered to the saints.  As James says, we demonstrate our faith by our works.  What we do must be consistent with our profession. The Holy Spirit will be your guide!  Do not grieve him, ignore him, or explain away his very clear written instruction to us in the Holy Scriptures!