THE TRAP OF PRIDE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, ‘Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?’” Numbers 20:10, ESV
Theme: Due to their pride and anger, Moses and Aaron chose to elevate themselves, taking credit for providing water rather than following God’s specific instructions.
BESETTING SINS
The writer of Hebrews encouraged: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1, ESV). From this passage, we get the idea of habitual or “besetting” sins. These sins are the ones you and I most frequently deal with. For some, this can be an addiction or lying. For others, it may be anger or pride. Do you know your most likely area of “falling short” of God’s standard?
From my previous writings, you probably already know mine: I am bossy and directing, but the root of these attitudes is pride. I know better. My way is better. I am sharper than you and I am frustrated by others' ineffectiveness or dullness. One of my sweet but sassy grandchildren recently said, “Oh my! How could I have forgotten? What was I thinking? You are ALWAYS right!” OUCH!
SYMPATHIZING WITH MOSES
Maybe you, like me, are easily frustrated with the slowness of other people to get on track with your plan, or to get on with their jobs, or to just do something...anything! When the children of Israel gathered to complain about a lack of water, the Bible says, “they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron” (Numbers 20:2a, ESV). Moses knew that God had told him to “speak to the rock before their eyes” and God promised water would come forth. It would be a life-giving miracle, foreshadowing the spring of Living Water which Jesus promised. Yet Moses was proud, angry, and frustrated with his grumbling, ungrateful congregation. He was defensive, and he chose to show his anger rather than God’s mercy and grace. He offered to get them water himself, rather than pointing them to the God who provides and gently speaking in the power of God’s Word.
Make It Personal: Do you find yourself being defensive, backed into a corner, desiring to prove your plan and way was right? Is it important to you to “be right” in every argument or discussion? Do pride or anger often take control of your spirit? Maybe you have another habitual failing. Even so, our refusal to give them up is usually rooted in pride, the first sin, the sin which tripped up Lucifer in heaven; the sin which ensnared Adam and Eve to think they were as wise as God. Take time to recite and worship the wonders and majesty of God. Remember that without Jesus, we are lost, pitiful, and in desperate need of rescue from ourselves.
Pray: Lord, You are mighty and powerful. You are also gentle and loving. Your Word has the power to bring life. Your promise is to provide for me. Forgive my pride and self-sufficiency. Forgive my anger and defensiveness. Without You, I am nothing. You are my everything. Thank You for the greatest gift of all, Your Son Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Numbers 20:2-13
Weekly Memory Verse: "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” Romans 3:3, ESV