Water from a Rock - Jared Kirkwood | Mariners Church

Welcome to Mariners Church. My name is Welcome to Mariners Church. My name is Jared. I'm so excited to be with you Jared. I'm so excited to be with you Jared. I'm so excited to be with you today. Just before we jump into today's today. Just before we jump into today's today. Just before we jump into today's message, I want to take one final moment message, I want to take one final moment message, I want to take one final moment before we close out our ministry year. before we close out our ministry year. before we close out our ministry year. We have the unique blessing of getting We have the unique blessing of getting We have the unique blessing of getting to hear your stories every single week to hear your stories every single week to hear your stories every single week about how God has saved you. He has about how God has saved you. He has about how God has saved you. He has restored your marriage. He's provided restored your marriage. He's provided restored your marriage. He's provided for you in a time of need. We hear for you in a time of need. We hear for you in a time of need. We hear stories of healings. The glory of the stories of healings. The glory of the stories of healings. The glory of the Lord is constantly on display. Your Lord is constantly on display. Your Lord is constantly on display. Your heart is what we care about the most. We heart is what we care about the most. We heart is what we care about the most. We have all kinds of ministries and have all kinds of ministries and have all kinds of ministries and programs and groups and studies and programs and groups and studies and programs and groups and studies and teachings. We have so many things at the teachings. We have so many things at the teachings. We have so many things at the church. All of them are here to help you church. All of them are here to help you church. All of them are here to help you grow closer to God, and I hope you take grow closer to God, and I hope you take grow closer to God, and I hope you take advantage. I hope you lean in, but I advantage. I hope you lean in, but I advantage. I hope you lean in, but I don't want you to miss one significant don't want you to miss one significant don't want you to miss one significant area in which God has access to your area in which God has access to your area in which God has access to your heart. Money has a unique grip on us, heart. Money has a unique grip on us, heart. Money has a unique grip on us, and it's through regular giving to the and it's through regular giving to the and it's through regular giving to the church, which is a primary way in which church, which is a primary way in which church, which is a primary way in which God can form us into a person more like God can form us into a person more like God can form us into a person more like Jesus. That's what I want for my life.

Jesus. That's what I want for my life. Jesus. That's what I want for my life. It's what I want for my family, and it's It's what I want for my family, and it's It's what I want for my family, and it's what I want for you. So, if you're ready what I want for you. So, if you're ready what I want for you. So, if you're ready to jump into recurring giving, I want to to jump into recurring giving, I want to to jump into recurring giving, I want to invite you to do so. I'm so grateful for invite you to do so. I'm so grateful for invite you to do so. I'm so grateful for those of you that already do. You are a those of you that already do. You are a those of you that already do. You are a part of the work that God is doing all part of the work that God is doing all part of the work that God is doing all around us here at Mariners Church. If around us here at Mariners Church. If around us here at Mariners Church. If you want to jump in, you can text online you want to jump in, you can text online you want to jump in, you can text online to the number on the screen, follow to the number on the screen, follow to the number on the screen, follow those prompts, and you will be set up. those prompts, and you will be set up. those prompts, and you will be set up. All right, let's get into today's All right, let's get into today's All right, let's get into today's message. message. message. I want you to imagine a 10-year-old on a I want you to imagine a 10-year-old on a I want you to imagine a 10-year-old on a 2-week road trip with his parents. 2-week road trip with his parents. 2-week road trip with his parents. You're in a 1988 Suburban, no air You're in a 1988 Suburban, no air You're in a 1988 Suburban, no air conditioning. You start in Los Angeles. conditioning. You start in Los Angeles. conditioning. You start in Los Angeles. You head east to Branson, Missouri, You head east to Branson, Missouri, You head east to Branson, Missouri, which is the Disneyland for the which is the Disneyland for the which is the Disneyland for the retirement community. You then travel up retirement community. You then travel up retirement community. You then travel up north into Michigan, and you make your north into Michigan, and you make your north into Michigan, and you make your way back west all the way to Seattle, way back west all the way to Seattle, way back west all the way to Seattle, and then you drive back down to home in and then you drive back down to home in and then you drive back down to home in LA. That is about 88 hours of continuous LA. That is about 88 hours of continuous LA. That is about 88 hours of continuous driving over a 2-week period. It's 6,000 driving over a 2-week period. It's 6,000 driving over a 2-week period. It's 6,000 miles and that was the most extravagant miles and that was the most extravagant miles and that was the most extravagant vacation of my entire childhood. We had vacation of my entire childhood. We had vacation of my entire childhood. We had these big adventures of going to antique these big adventures of going to antique these big adventures of going to antique stores in which I collected baseball stores in which I collected baseball stores in which I collected baseball cards I no longer have and the saddest cards I no longer have and the saddest cards I no longer have and the saddest part is iPads weren't even invented yet.

part is iPads weren't even invented yet. part is iPads weren't even invented yet. It was the longest 2 weeks of my life. It was the longest 2 weeks of my life. It was the longest 2 weeks of my life. Now, can you imagine doing that with Now, can you imagine doing that with Now, can you imagine doing that with kids today with no devices? Just in the kids today with no devices? Just in the kids today with no devices? Just in the car, locked in together for weeks on car, locked in together for weeks on car, locked in together for weeks on end. I can't even make it to LA, the end. I can't even make it to LA, the end. I can't even make it to LA, the starting point, without my kids asking starting point, without my kids asking starting point, without my kids asking how much longer and do we have snacks how much longer and do we have snacks how much longer and do we have snacks and stop hitting me? I mean, cars are and stop hitting me? I mean, cars are and stop hitting me? I mean, cars are chaos with kids. I don't care if it's 10 chaos with kids. I don't care if it's 10 chaos with kids. I don't care if it's 10 minutes or 10 hours, it's just like end minutes or 10 hours, it's just like end minutes or 10 hours, it's just like end the misery. the misery. the misery. Okay, we're picking up on the num- the Okay, we're picking up on the num- the Okay, we're picking up on the num- the the story here of the people of God in the story here of the people of God in the story here of the people of God in Numbers and it's a narrative. We've been Numbers and it's a narrative. We've been Numbers and it's a narrative. We've been watching a story unfold. From where we watching a story unfold. From where we watching a story unfold. From where we began just a few weeks ago to where our began just a few weeks ago to where our began just a few weeks ago to where our story's going to pick up today, the story's going to pick up today, the story's going to pick up today, the people of God have been nomadic. They people of God have been nomadic. They people of God have been nomadic. They have been on the move for 38 years. That have been on the move for 38 years. That have been on the move for 38 years. That is far longer than my 2-week road trip. is far longer than my 2-week road trip. is far longer than my 2-week road trip. Let's pick up our story today in Numbers Let's pick up our story today in Numbers Let's pick up our story today in Numbers chapter 20. We're going to start in chapter 20. We're going to start in chapter 20. We're going to start in verse one. verse one. verse one. The entire Israelite community entered The entire Israelite community entered The entire Israelite community entered the wilderness of Zin in the first month the wilderness of Zin in the first month the wilderness of Zin in the first month and they settled in Kadesh. Miriam died and they settled in Kadesh. Miriam died and they settled in Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there.

and was buried there. and was buried there. So, the opening verse gives us the So, the opening verse gives us the So, the opening verse gives us the context of both the location but also context of both the location but also context of both the location but also what is happening inside of this family. what is happening inside of this family. what is happening inside of this family. Kadesh is 200 miles north of Egypt. Let Kadesh is 200 miles north of Egypt. Let Kadesh is 200 miles north of Egypt. Let me show you a map here so you can kind me show you a map here so you can kind me show you a map here so you can kind of get an understanding of where Egypt of get an understanding of where Egypt of get an understanding of where Egypt is in relation to where now Israel is, is in relation to where now Israel is, is in relation to where now Israel is, modern-day Israel. Kadesh is sort of modern-day Israel. Kadesh is sort of modern-day Israel. Kadesh is sort of right there in the center. And they're right there in the center. And they're right there in the center. And they're on their way towards the promised land on their way towards the promised land on their way towards the promised land which is a region of known as Canaan. which is a region of known as Canaan. which is a region of known as Canaan. Now, this is the exact location Kadesh Now, this is the exact location Kadesh Now, this is the exact location Kadesh is where our message from 2 weeks ago is where our message from 2 weeks ago is where our message from 2 weeks ago took place. Remember when Eric taught us took place. Remember when Eric taught us took place. Remember when Eric taught us about the 12 tribes encamped in a place about the 12 tribes encamped in a place about the 12 tribes encamped in a place called Kadesh and they elected two called Kadesh and they elected two called Kadesh and they elected two scouts from each tribe. They were sent scouts from each tribe. They were sent scouts from each tribe. They were sent into the region called Canaan, which is into the region called Canaan, which is into the region called Canaan, which is this promised land by God, but they came this promised land by God, but they came this promised land by God, but they came back and they reported of these giants back and they reported of these giants back and they reported of these giants in the land. They allowed their fear to in the land. They allowed their fear to in the land. They allowed their fear to take over. They expressed a lack of take over. They expressed a lack of take over. They expressed a lack of trust in God and they faced a severe trust in God and they faced a severe trust in God and they faced a severe consequence. Because of their lack of consequence. Because of their lack of consequence. Because of their lack of trust in that story, 40 years is going trust in that story, 40 years is going trust in that story, 40 years is going to be spent following God in the to be spent following God in the to be spent following God in the wilderness. Now, I I almost tripped up wilderness. Now, I I almost tripped up wilderness. Now, I I almost tripped up on my words. I don't know if you caught on my words. I don't know if you caught on my words. I don't know if you caught me, but I I think about this is like I me, but I I think about this is like I me, but I I think about this is like I always think like they were wandering in always think like they were wandering in always think like they were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, but it's the wilderness for 40 years, but it's the wilderness for 40 years, but it's not actually wandering. God is the one not actually wandering. God is the one not actually wandering. God is the one who was leading them. Remember, it was a who was leading them. Remember, it was a who was leading them. Remember, it was a pillar of smoke by day and fire by pillar of smoke by day and fire by pillar of smoke by day and fire by night. Anytime God moved, the people night. Anytime God moved, the people night. Anytime God moved, the people would follow. God led them throughout would follow. God led them throughout would follow. God led them throughout the the the entirety of a generation in

the the the entirety of a generation in the the the entirety of a generation in the wilderness. You see, God wanted them the wilderness. You see, God wanted them the wilderness. You see, God wanted them because of this consequence of their because of this consequence of their because of this consequence of their lack of trust, God had them following lack of trust, God had them following lack of trust, God had them following him until this unbelieving generation him until this unbelieving generation him until this unbelieving generation all had died. Now, Miriam, who is Moses' all had died. Now, Miriam, who is Moses' all had died. Now, Miriam, who is Moses' sister, her death proves that there was sister, her death proves that there was sister, her death proves that there was going to be no special exceptions, not going to be no special exceptions, not going to be no special exceptions, not even for Moses' family. That consequence even for Moses' family. That consequence even for Moses' family. That consequence was for them as well. So, the story was for them as well. So, the story was for them as well. So, the story continues in verse two. continues in verse two. continues in verse two. It says, "There was no water for the It says, "There was no water for the It says, "There was no water for the community, so they assembled against community, so they assembled against community, so they assembled against Moses and Aaron. The people quarreled Moses and Aaron. The people quarreled Moses and Aaron. The people quarreled with Moses and said, 'If only we had with Moses and said, 'If only we had with Moses and said, 'If only we had perished when our brothers perished perished when our brothers perished perished when our brothers perished before the Lord. Why have you brought before the Lord. Why have you brought before the Lord. Why have you brought the Lord's assembly into this wilderness the Lord's assembly into this wilderness the Lord's assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? for us and our livestock to die here? for us and our livestock to die here? Why have you let us up from Egypt to Why have you let us up from Egypt to Why have you let us up from Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It's not a bring us to this evil place? It's not a bring us to this evil place? It's not a place of grain and figs and vines and place of grain and figs and vines and place of grain and figs and vines and pomegranates and there is no water to pomegranates and there is no water to pomegranates and there is no water to drink. drink. drink. So, the people of God are frustrated and So, the people of God are frustrated and So, the people of God are frustrated and it kind of sounds like they want a it kind of sounds like they want a it kind of sounds like they want a charcuterie board, but there's real pain charcuterie board, but there's real pain charcuterie board, but there's real pain that's inside of this for them. You see that's inside of this for them. You see that's inside of this for them. You see the children of this prior generation the children of this prior generation the children of this prior generation are now standing in the same location as are now standing in the same location as are now standing in the same location as the first rebellion. This place, Kadesh, the first rebellion. This place, Kadesh, the first rebellion. This place, Kadesh, is the same place in which those scouts is the same place in which those scouts is the same place in which those scouts were sent and what is happening? The were sent and what is happening? The were sent and what is happening? The children of them, the ones who were children of them, the ones who were children of them, the ones who were grumbling back then, now the children grumbling back then, now the children grumbling back then, now the children are doing the same.

are doing the same. are doing the same. But, there is something real that But, there is something real that But, there is something real that they're complaining about. They're they're complaining about. They're they're complaining about. They're saying, "We have no water." And you and saying, "We have no water." And you and saying, "We have no water." And you and I know that 3 days without water would I know that 3 days without water would I know that 3 days without water would be death. This was a real issue. Their be death. This was a real issue. Their be death. This was a real issue. Their complaint, though, is almost word for complaint, though, is almost word for complaint, though, is almost word for word what their what their parents had word what their what their parents had word what their what their parents had said decades ago. That story in Exodus said decades ago. That story in Exodus said decades ago. That story in Exodus chapter 17. They say, "Why did you bring chapter 17. They say, "Why did you bring chapter 17. They say, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die here?" us out of Egypt to die here?" us out of Egypt to die here?" Now, notice who they were quarreling Now, notice who they were quarreling Now, notice who they were quarreling with. It wasn't with each other. It with. It wasn't with each other. It with. It wasn't with each other. It wasn't actually God. They were wasn't actually God. They were wasn't actually God. They were quarreling with Moses. quarreling with Moses. quarreling with Moses. You see the people following after You see the people following after You see the people following after Moses, they confused Moses to be their Moses, they confused Moses to be their Moses, they confused Moses to be their provider, not their leader. That's going provider, not their leader. That's going provider, not their leader. That's going to be a really important point here, but to be a really important point here, but to be a really important point here, but Moses is kind of an important figure. Moses is kind of an important figure. Moses is kind of an important figure. Maybe you can remember Moses was raised Maybe you can remember Moses was raised Maybe you can remember Moses was raised in the house of Pharaoh. He was chosen in the house of Pharaoh. He was chosen in the house of Pharaoh. He was chosen by God to lead his people out of the by God to lead his people out of the by God to lead his people out of the Exodus. You have the amazing stories of Exodus. You have the amazing stories of Exodus. You have the amazing stories of the plagues and the splitting of the Red the plagues and the splitting of the Red the plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea. He is the one who provided the 10 Sea. He is the one who provided the 10 Sea. He is the one who provided the 10 Commandments. God gave them to him and Commandments. God gave them to him and Commandments. God gave them to him and he descended down the mountain to give he descended down the mountain to give he descended down the mountain to give them. This was God's guy.

them. This was God's guy. them. This was God's guy. Throughout the whole Old Testament, you Throughout the whole Old Testament, you Throughout the whole Old Testament, you see God in search of a human to partner see God in search of a human to partner see God in search of a human to partner with. His first creation, Adam, then we with. His first creation, Adam, then we with. His first creation, Adam, then we carry on to the stories of Abraham and carry on to the stories of Abraham and carry on to the stories of Abraham and now we see Moses. There are others along now we see Moses. There are others along now we see Moses. There are others along the way and guess what? There's going to the way and guess what? There's going to the way and guess what? There's going to be others to follow. God wants to be others to follow. God wants to be others to follow. God wants to partner with someone in order to repair partner with someone in order to repair partner with someone in order to repair what we had broken. what we had broken. what we had broken. So then the story goes on. So then the story goes on. So then the story goes on. So the people are complaining. They go So the people are complaining. They go So the people are complaining. They go to Moses and they say, "We need water." to Moses and they say, "We need water." to Moses and they say, "We need water." So what does Moses and Aaron do? Here's So what does Moses and Aaron do? Here's So what does Moses and Aaron do? Here's verse six. verse six. verse six. Then Moses and Aaron went from the Then Moses and Aaron went from the Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the doorway presence of the assembly to the doorway presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting, which is the of the tent of meeting, which is the of the tent of meeting, which is the tabernacle. That's where God's presence tabernacle. That's where God's presence tabernacle. That's where God's presence was. They fell face down and all the was. They fell face down and all the was. They fell face down and all the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The glory of the Lord appeared to them. The glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses, "Take the staff and Lord spoke to Moses, "Take the staff and Lord spoke to Moses, "Take the staff and assemble the community. You and your assemble the community. You and your assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock brother Aaron are to speak to the rock brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will yield its while they watch, and it will yield its while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them water. You will bring out water for them water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the from the rock and provide drink for the from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock." So Moses community and their livestock." So Moses community and their livestock." So Moses took the staff from the Lord's presence took the staff from the Lord's presence took the staff from the Lord's presence just as he had commanded them. Now, they just as he had commanded them. Now, they just as he had commanded them. Now, they did the right thing. Moses and Aaron, did the right thing. Moses and Aaron, did the right thing. Moses and Aaron, they went to God. They bowed down before they went to God. They bowed down before they went to God. They bowed down before him and they knew that God is the one him and they knew that God is the one him and they knew that God is the one who was ultimately going to provide. He who was ultimately going to provide. He who was ultimately going to provide. He is the great provider. He is the is the great provider. He is the is the great provider. He is the sustainer of their life in the sustainer of their life in the sustainer of their life in the wilderness. He has been providing for wilderness. He has been providing for wilderness. He has been providing for them for decades, a generation at this them for decades, a generation at this them for decades, a generation at this point. So Moses takes the complaint to

point. So Moses takes the complaint to point. So Moses takes the complaint to the only place where complaints belong, the only place where complaints belong, the only place where complaints belong, to the tent of meeting, which is the to the tent of meeting, which is the to the tent of meeting, which is the tabernacle, the very presence of God. tabernacle, the very presence of God. tabernacle, the very presence of God. God gives him instructions. He tells God gives him instructions. He tells God gives him instructions. He tells them exactly what to do. And then here's them exactly what to do. And then here's them exactly what to do. And then here's verse 10. verse 10. verse 10. Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to front of the rock, and Moses said to front of the rock, and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels. Must we bring them, "Listen, you rebels. Must we bring them, "Listen, you rebels. Must we bring water out of this rock for you?" water out of this rock for you?" water out of this rock for you?" Then Moses raised his hand and he struck Then Moses raised his hand and he struck Then Moses raised his hand and he struck the rock twice with his staff so that an the rock twice with his staff so that an the rock twice with his staff so that an abundant water gushed out and the abundant water gushed out and the abundant water gushed out and the community and their livestock drank. community and their livestock drank. community and their livestock drank. Wow. I I it is a miracle. Like this is a Wow. I I it is a miracle. Like this is a Wow. I I it is a miracle. Like this is a miracle what has happened, but did you miracle what has happened, but did you miracle what has happened, but did you catch the problem? catch the problem? catch the problem? You see this miracle is God providing. You see this miracle is God providing. You see this miracle is God providing. There at this point, there are millions There at this point, there are millions There at this point, there are millions of people. This is not a little stream of people. This is not a little stream of people. This is not a little stream flows out of Iraq. This is an abundant flows out of Iraq. This is an abundant flows out of Iraq. This is an abundant river that can provide for the people river that can provide for the people river that can provide for the people and for all of their livestock. and for all of their livestock. and for all of their livestock. Why is it that God did that? Why did he Why is it that God did that? Why did he Why is it that God did that? Why did he choose even though something was wrong choose even though something was wrong choose even though something was wrong in the story? You see, God was not in the story? You see, God was not in the story? You see, God was not appeasing the crowd. This is God appeasing the crowd. This is God appeasing the crowd. This is God providing for his people. But a plot providing for his people. But a plot providing for his people. But a plot twist is about to happen. Look what twist is about to happen. Look what twist is about to happen. Look what happens in verse 12.

happens in verse 12. happens in verse 12. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust me to "Because you did not trust me to "Because you did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness in the sight of demonstrate my holiness in the sight of demonstrate my holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this the Israelites, you will not bring this the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given assembly into the land I have given assembly into the land I have given them. These are the waters of Meribah, them. These are the waters of Meribah, them. These are the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the where the Israelites quarreled with the where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord, and he demonstrated his holiness Lord, and he demonstrated his holiness Lord, and he demonstrated his holiness to them." to them." to them." Okay. Okay. Okay. You're probably like, "Wait a second. I You're probably like, "Wait a second. I You're probably like, "Wait a second. I I feel like I've heard this story I feel like I've heard this story I feel like I've heard this story before. I don't really remember it before. I don't really remember it before. I don't really remember it ending in that way." And you're ending in that way." And you're ending in that way." And you're absolutely right. This is a parallel absolutely right. This is a parallel absolutely right. This is a parallel story. You see, Numbers chapter 20, the story. You see, Numbers chapter 20, the story. You see, Numbers chapter 20, the story we just read, is a very similar story we just read, is a very similar story we just read, is a very similar story to what had happened years prior, story to what had happened years prior, story to what had happened years prior, taking place in Exodus chapter 17. In taking place in Exodus chapter 17. In taking place in Exodus chapter 17. In fact, let me show you the parallel of fact, let me show you the parallel of fact, let me show you the parallel of these stories. You see that God gives these stories. You see that God gives these stories. You see that God gives instructions. In Exodus 17, the story instructions. In Exodus 17, the story instructions. In Exodus 17, the story that the other story, he says strike the that the other story, he says strike the that the other story, he says strike the rock. And so what is Moses' action? He rock. And so what is Moses' action? He rock. And so what is Moses' action? He strikes the rock. And then what is God's strikes the rock. And then what is God's strikes the rock. And then what is God's response when that happens? Water flows. response when that happens? Water flows. response when that happens? Water flows. That's probably the story you remember, That's probably the story you remember, That's probably the story you remember, but that's not the story we just read.

but that's not the story we just read. but that's not the story we just read. Let me show you what happens in Numbers Let me show you what happens in Numbers Let me show you what happens in Numbers chapter 20. God says, "Speak to the chapter 20. God says, "Speak to the chapter 20. God says, "Speak to the rock." rock." rock." What was Moses' action? He strikes the What was Moses' action? He strikes the What was Moses' action? He strikes the rock. So then what is God's response? He rock. So then what is God's response? He rock. So then what is God's response? He prohibits Moses and Aaron from entering prohibits Moses and Aaron from entering prohibits Moses and Aaron from entering the promised land, and yet there is one the promised land, and yet there is one the promised land, and yet there is one other response from God, the water still other response from God, the water still other response from God, the water still flows. flows. flows. You see God in Numbers chapter 20, he You see God in Numbers chapter 20, he You see God in Numbers chapter 20, he said, "Take your staff, but don't use said, "Take your staff, but don't use said, "Take your staff, but don't use it." He says to speak to the rock. Don't it." He says to speak to the rock. Don't it." He says to speak to the rock. Don't strike the rock. strike the rock. strike the rock. In Exodus chapter 17, God told him to In Exodus chapter 17, God told him to In Exodus chapter 17, God told him to strike the rock and then water came out. strike the rock and then water came out. strike the rock and then water came out. It was the same problem that they were It was the same problem that they were It was the same problem that they were facing. They They needed water in both facing. They They needed water in both facing. They They needed water in both stories. In fact, it was the same stories. In fact, it was the same stories. In fact, it was the same person. Moses was the one, and Moses had person. Moses was the one, and Moses had person. Moses was the one, and Moses had the same staff. God said, "Take your the same staff. God said, "Take your the same staff. God said, "Take your staff," but then he gave him a different staff," but then he gave him a different staff," but then he gave him a different command. command. command. He said, He said, He said, "Speak to the rock. Don't actually use "Speak to the rock. Don't actually use "Speak to the rock. Don't actually use your staff." This staff is kind of an your staff." This staff is kind of an your staff." This staff is kind of an incredible thing. It's the same staff incredible thing. It's the same staff incredible thing. It's the same staff that turned the Nile River into blood in that turned the Nile River into blood in that turned the Nile River into blood in the Exodus story. It's the one that the Exodus story. It's the one that the Exodus story. It's the one that parted the Red Sea. It's the one that parted the Red Sea. It's the one that parted the Red Sea. It's the one that prior had struck the rock and water prior had struck the rock and water prior had struck the rock and water flowed, but God said, "Take it. Don't flowed, but God said, "Take it. Don't flowed, but God said, "Take it. Don't use it."

use it." use it." You see, sometimes obedience for you and You see, sometimes obedience for you and You see, sometimes obedience for you and I means picking up that tool or that I means picking up that tool or that I means picking up that tool or that thing that we're known for, thing that we're known for, thing that we're known for, but then also setting it back down but then also setting it back down but then also setting it back down because God said something different. It because God said something different. It because God said something different. It means surrendering to God and means surrendering to God and means surrendering to God and remembering that the staff, and this is remembering that the staff, and this is remembering that the staff, and this is good for you and I to remember, that the good for you and I to remember, that the good for you and I to remember, that the staff was only ever as powerful as God staff was only ever as powerful as God staff was only ever as powerful as God allowed it to be. allowed it to be. allowed it to be. God's instructions changed, and Moses God's instructions changed, and Moses God's instructions changed, and Moses missed it. Well, he either missed it or missed it. Well, he either missed it or missed it. Well, he either missed it or he disregarded it. he disregarded it. he disregarded it. Now, we've probably all been in a place Now, we've probably all been in a place Now, we've probably all been in a place where you've experienced like what got where you've experienced like what got where you've experienced like what got you here won't get you there. We learn you here won't get you there. We learn you here won't get you there. We learn things in our life. We find ways to do things in our life. We find ways to do things in our life. We find ways to do the things that we enjoy or the the the things that we enjoy or the the the things that we enjoy or the the discipline that we need, discipline that we need, discipline that we need, but sometimes those things hit a ceiling but sometimes those things hit a ceiling but sometimes those things hit a ceiling and what got us here isn't what's going and what got us here isn't what's going and what got us here isn't what's going to get us there. This came so real for to get us there. This came so real for to get us there. This came so real for me as I started raising children. If you me as I started raising children. If you me as I started raising children. If you have kids, you know that each phase of a have kids, you know that each phase of a have kids, you know that each phase of a child's development requires a different child's development requires a different child's development requires a different style of parenting. What you did when style of parenting. What you did when style of parenting. What you did when they were infants is not what you can do they were infants is not what you can do they were infants is not what you can do when they're toddlers, and it's when they're toddlers, and it's when they're toddlers, and it's definitely different than when they definitely different than when they definitely different than when they become teenagers. Now, the total plot become teenagers. Now, the total plot become teenagers. Now, the total plot twist is that you could have two kids in twist is that you could have two kids in twist is that you could have two kids in the same age group and it still requires the same age group and it still requires the same age group and it still requires two different approaches to parenting.

two different approaches to parenting. two different approaches to parenting. What got you to one child is not the What got you to one child is not the What got you to one child is not the same for the next child. Now, I have two same for the next child. Now, I have two same for the next child. Now, I have two kids. I very much experience this in my kids. I very much experience this in my kids. I very much experience this in my own home. My firstborn, my son Asher, own home. My firstborn, my son Asher, own home. My firstborn, my son Asher, when he was told to go to his room, when when he was told to go to his room, when when he was told to go to his room, when he was like 5, 6, 7 years old, when he he was like 5, 6, 7 years old, when he he was like 5, 6, 7 years old, when he was told to go to his room, he would was told to go to his room, he would was told to go to his room, he would storm down the hall and then he would storm down the hall and then he would storm down the hall and then he would kind of politely close his door and then kind of politely close his door and then kind of politely close his door and then he'd sit on his bed, and about 30 he'd sit on his bed, and about 30 he'd sit on his bed, and about 30 seconds later you'd hear his sweet seconds later you'd hear his sweet seconds later you'd hear his sweet little voice go, "Can I Can I come out little voice go, "Can I Can I come out little voice go, "Can I Can I come out now?" now?" now?" Well, then as my daughter got into that Well, then as my daughter got into that Well, then as my daughter got into that age group and we told her to go to her age group and we told her to go to her age group and we told her to go to her room, she said, "No." room, she said, "No." room, she said, "No." And so we told her again, "Go to your And so we told her again, "Go to your And so we told her again, "Go to your room." And she said, "No." And so we had room." And she said, "No." And so we had room." And she said, "No." And so we had to pick her up and put her in her room. to pick her up and put her in her room. to pick her up and put her in her room. And then she would yank on that door And then she would yank on that door And then she would yank on that door like a little personal tornado inside like a little personal tornado inside like a little personal tornado inside that room. It was crazy, the differences that room. It was crazy, the differences that room. It was crazy, the differences of our kid. You see, we had to operate of our kid. You see, we had to operate of our kid. You see, we had to operate differently even in the same children in differently even in the same children in differently even in the same children in our own house. Moses experienced this. our own house. Moses experienced this. our own house. Moses experienced this. You see, what what worked once for Moses You see, what what worked once for Moses You see, what what worked once for Moses was not going to work again.

was not going to work again. was not going to work again. You may be asking why this is such a You may be asking why this is such a You may be asking why this is such a grave offense. It's a pretty big grave offense. It's a pretty big grave offense. It's a pretty big consequence that Moses faced, but you consequence that Moses faced, but you consequence that Moses faced, but you got to understand from God's got to understand from God's got to understand from God's perspective. Moses put himself in the perspective. Moses put himself in the perspective. Moses put himself in the place of God. place of God. place of God. There's a pastor and writer that I love There's a pastor and writer that I love There's a pastor and writer that I love named Tim Keller, and he said this. He named Tim Keller, and he said this. He named Tim Keller, and he said this. He says that when Moses calls them rebels, says that when Moses calls them rebels, says that when Moses calls them rebels, Moses sets himself up as their judge. He Moses sets himself up as their judge. He Moses sets himself up as their judge. He condemned them. And then in saying, "We condemned them. And then in saying, "We condemned them. And then in saying, "We must we bring you water?" he sets them must we bring you water?" he sets them must we bring you water?" he sets them up as their deliverer. Everything Moses up as their deliverer. Everything Moses up as their deliverer. Everything Moses did pointed away from God and actually did pointed away from God and actually did pointed away from God and actually to himself. So, just as just as the to himself. So, just as just as the to himself. So, just as just as the people confused Moses to be their people confused Moses to be their people confused Moses to be their provider and not their leader, provider and not their leader, provider and not their leader, Moses was confused as well. Moses Moses was confused as well. Moses Moses was confused as well. Moses actually believed it, too. actually believed it, too. actually believed it, too. So, if Moses' consequence was a plot So, if Moses' consequence was a plot So, if Moses' consequence was a plot twist, like if you didn't see that twist, like if you didn't see that twist, like if you didn't see that coming, the other one is that water came coming, the other one is that water came coming, the other one is that water came out anyway. Like Moses did the wrong out anyway. Like Moses did the wrong out anyway. Like Moses did the wrong thing. Moses faced a consequence and yet thing. Moses faced a consequence and yet thing. Moses faced a consequence and yet God still provided for the people even God still provided for the people even God still provided for the people even when his servant disobeyed.

when his servant disobeyed. when his servant disobeyed. You see, there's this whole generation You see, there's this whole generation You see, there's this whole generation that God desires to preserve. that God desires to preserve. that God desires to preserve. And this is kind of dangerous territory, And this is kind of dangerous territory, And this is kind of dangerous territory, if you think about it. Just because if you think about it. Just because if you think about it. Just because something works doesn't mean that God something works doesn't mean that God something works doesn't mean that God blesses it. blesses it. blesses it. The water flowed and yet the leader, The water flowed and yet the leader, The water flowed and yet the leader, Moses, he still got disqualified. Moses, he still got disqualified. Moses, he still got disqualified. Results are not the same as obedience. Results are not the same as obedience. Results are not the same as obedience. You see, the wilderness was not ever You see, the wilderness was not ever You see, the wilderness was not ever really the problem. It's the heart. really the problem. It's the heart. really the problem. It's the heart. The problem is not we're short on water. The problem is not we're short on water. The problem is not we're short on water. The problem really in this story is The problem really in this story is The problem really in this story is who's going to get the glory when the who's going to get the glory when the who's going to get the glory when the water flows out. water flows out. water flows out. Now, I shared with you two different Now, I shared with you two different Now, I shared with you two different stories. There's the parallel of Exodus stories. There's the parallel of Exodus stories. There's the parallel of Exodus 17 and Numbers chapter 20. It's two 17 and Numbers chapter 20. It's two 17 and Numbers chapter 20. It's two different locations and yet did you different locations and yet did you different locations and yet did you notice the name Waters of Meribah being notice the name Waters of Meribah being notice the name Waters of Meribah being used? The Waters of Meribah is a really used? The Waters of Meribah is a really used? The Waters of Meribah is a really specific name. In fact, it's a name that specific name. In fact, it's a name that specific name. In fact, it's a name that was given by Moses at the end of the was given by Moses at the end of the was given by Moses at the end of the story in Exodus chapter 17. Moses names story in Exodus chapter 17. Moses names story in Exodus chapter 17. Moses names the location Meribah, which means the location Meribah, which means the location Meribah, which means quarreling or complaining or bitterness, quarreling or complaining or bitterness, quarreling or complaining or bitterness, because that's exactly how the people because that's exactly how the people because that's exactly how the people were acting. So, Moses names the the were acting. So, Moses names the the were acting. So, Moses names the the place in Exodus 17 Meribah. But did you place in Exodus 17 Meribah. But did you place in Exodus 17 Meribah. But did you notice that in Numbers chapter 20, it's notice that in Numbers chapter 20, it's notice that in Numbers chapter 20, it's a different location and yet it's the a different location and yet it's the a different location and yet it's the same water.

same water. same water. The location in which they're at is The location in which they're at is The location in which they're at is called Kadesh, which means holy or set called Kadesh, which means holy or set called Kadesh, which means holy or set apart or sacred, but now it is called apart or sacred, but now it is called apart or sacred, but now it is called the waters of Meribah because of Moses's the waters of Meribah because of Moses's the waters of Meribah because of Moses's quarreling with the people. quarreling with the people. quarreling with the people. Two different locations, two different Two different locations, two different Two different locations, two different fights, fights, fights, but bitterness ensues. You see, God's but bitterness ensues. You see, God's but bitterness ensues. You see, God's name is supposed to be holy in the place name is supposed to be holy in the place name is supposed to be holy in the place called holy, Kadesh. called holy, Kadesh. called holy, Kadesh. But Moses gave its bitter name instead. But Moses gave its bitter name instead. But Moses gave its bitter name instead. Now, this is a big deal for God. Now, this is a big deal for God. Now, this is a big deal for God. Holiness is not God being sensitive or Holiness is not God being sensitive or Holiness is not God being sensitive or touchy. touchy. touchy. Holiness is God being God. Holiness is God being God. Holiness is God being God. And so to treat a holy God casually is And so to treat a holy God casually is And so to treat a holy God casually is to misrepresent him to the people who to misrepresent him to the people who to misrepresent him to the people who need to know exactly who he is. need to know exactly who he is. need to know exactly who he is. Moses misrepresented God to the very Moses misrepresented God to the very Moses misrepresented God to the very people God was trying to reach. people God was trying to reach. people God was trying to reach. Now, the relationship between God and Now, the relationship between God and Now, the relationship between God and Moses is so important and so Moses is so important and so Moses is so important and so fascinating. If you're right now fascinating. If you're right now fascinating. If you're right now enjoying the World Cup like I am, you enjoying the World Cup like I am, you enjoying the World Cup like I am, you probably are watching some of the probably are watching some of the probably are watching some of the commentating that is happening as well.

commentating that is happening as well. commentating that is happening as well. I I love soccer. I have been a soccer I I love soccer. I have been a soccer I I love soccer. I have been a soccer fan for many, many years now, and so you fan for many, many years now, and so you fan for many, many years now, and so you know that Zlatan is a part of the know that Zlatan is a part of the know that Zlatan is a part of the commentating staff right now, and this commentating staff right now, and this commentating staff right now, and this guy is a global pillar in soccer. Like guy is a global pillar in soccer. Like guy is a global pillar in soccer. Like the world knows who Zlatan is, but he's the world knows who Zlatan is, but he's the world knows who Zlatan is, but he's sharing a desk with another guy named sharing a desk with another guy named sharing a desk with another guy named Lexi Lalas, and Lexi's a former US Lexi Lalas, and Lexi's a former US Lexi Lalas, and Lexi's a former US player. And I don't mean that in a player. And I don't mean that in a player. And I don't mean that in a demeaning way, but he's not Zlatan, demeaning way, but he's not Zlatan, demeaning way, but he's not Zlatan, okay? Zlatan is like a powerhouse, and okay? Zlatan is like a powerhouse, and okay? Zlatan is like a powerhouse, and then you've got Lexi, who has played then you've got Lexi, who has played then you've got Lexi, who has played soccer. It's wonderful. In fact, they soccer. It's wonderful. In fact, they soccer. It's wonderful. In fact, they both played both played both played they both played in the MLS, which is an they both played in the MLS, which is an they both played in the MLS, which is an important part of the detail here. But important part of the detail here. But important part of the detail here. But every now and then you watch Lexi think every now and then you watch Lexi think every now and then you watch Lexi think he's friends with Zlatan. He tries to he's friends with Zlatan. He tries to he's friends with Zlatan. He tries to jab him, he tries to kind of rib him a jab him, he tries to kind of rib him a jab him, he tries to kind of rib him a little bit, he tries to play jokes on little bit, he tries to play jokes on little bit, he tries to play jokes on Zlatan, and that's where you can see the Zlatan, and that's where you can see the Zlatan, and that's where you can see the difference between the two. Zlatan has difference between the two. Zlatan has difference between the two. Zlatan has nothing to do with it. I mean, his nothing to do with it. I mean, his nothing to do with it. I mean, his separation from Lexi is some of the best separation from Lexi is some of the best separation from Lexi is some of the best nighttime television going on right now.

nighttime television going on right now. nighttime television going on right now. Here's what happened. They both played Here's what happened. They both played Here's what happened. They both played for the MLS back in the day. Zlatan, for the MLS back in the day. Zlatan, for the MLS back in the day. Zlatan, while he played for some of the world's while he played for some of the world's while he played for some of the world's greatest clubs, he finished his career greatest clubs, he finished his career greatest clubs, he finished his career right here on the LA Galaxy. And right here on the LA Galaxy. And right here on the LA Galaxy. And Zlatan's ego is so big that when he Zlatan's ego is so big that when he Zlatan's ego is so big that when he committed to the LA Galaxy, they took an committed to the LA Galaxy, they took an committed to the LA Galaxy, they took an ad out in the LA Times. In fact, you can ad out in the LA Times. In fact, you can ad out in the LA Times. In fact, you can see right here in this image, the cover see right here in this image, the cover see right here in this image, the cover page is him in his Galaxy jersey, but page is him in his Galaxy jersey, but page is him in his Galaxy jersey, but more importantly, more importantly, more importantly, Zlatan himself wanted the back cover all Zlatan himself wanted the back cover all Zlatan himself wanted the back cover all to himself, and the text reads just to himself, and the text reads just to himself, and the text reads just simply, "Dear Los Angeles, you're simply, "Dear Los Angeles, you're simply, "Dear Los Angeles, you're welcome." welcome." welcome." I love it. I love this so much. Zlatan I love it. I love this so much. Zlatan I love it. I love this so much. Zlatan and Lexi are not on the same level. They and Lexi are not on the same level. They and Lexi are not on the same level. They might share a desk together, but they might share a desk together, but they might share a desk together, but they are different people. God and Moses, are different people. God and Moses, are different people. God and Moses, exponentially further apart. God will exponentially further apart. God will exponentially further apart. God will not stand for Moses taking credit or not stand for Moses taking credit or not stand for Moses taking credit or reducing God's holiness. reducing God's holiness. reducing God's holiness. Now, in the grand scheme of where we've Now, in the grand scheme of where we've Now, in the grand scheme of where we've been in the book of Numbers, this is now been in the book of Numbers, this is now been in the book of Numbers, this is now the third of three rebellions.

the third of three rebellions. the third of three rebellions. These rebellions each have deepening These rebellions each have deepening These rebellions each have deepening consequences, and it's a triplet. And in consequences, and it's a triplet. And in consequences, and it's a triplet. And in fact, you have maybe noticed throughout fact, you have maybe noticed throughout fact, you have maybe noticed throughout scripture that anytime something comes scripture that anytime something comes scripture that anytime something comes in threes, it's like an exclamation in threes, it's like an exclamation in threes, it's like an exclamation point. When God is called holy, holy, point. When God is called holy, holy, point. When God is called holy, holy, holy, that's meant to be an exclamation holy, that's meant to be an exclamation holy, that's meant to be an exclamation point. And in these rebellions, it's point. And in these rebellions, it's point. And in these rebellions, it's like a spiral. Each rebellion is getting like a spiral. Each rebellion is getting like a spiral. Each rebellion is getting more severe. Let me show you the graphic more severe. Let me show you the graphic more severe. Let me show you the graphic that we saw from week one. You can see that we saw from week one. You can see that we saw from week one. You can see here the 12 tribes, as instructed in the here the 12 tribes, as instructed in the here the 12 tribes, as instructed in the book of Numbers, are encamped around the book of Numbers, are encamped around the book of Numbers, are encamped around the tabernacle. Right inside, between the tabernacle. Right inside, between the tabernacle. Right inside, between the tribes and the tabernacle themselves, is tribes and the tabernacle themselves, is tribes and the tabernacle themselves, is the Levitical tribe. We learned about the Levitical tribe. We learned about the Levitical tribe. We learned about them last week. And at the center is the them last week. And at the center is the them last week. And at the center is the Tabernacle itself. That is the dwelling Tabernacle itself. That is the dwelling Tabernacle itself. That is the dwelling place of God. The three rebellions place of God. The three rebellions place of God. The three rebellions follow these three concentric circles. follow these three concentric circles. follow these three concentric circles. Numbers chapter 13, after traveling 200 Numbers chapter 13, after traveling 200 Numbers chapter 13, after traveling 200 miles north from Egypt, the scouts are miles north from Egypt, the scouts are miles north from Egypt, the scouts are sent out. They come back. They are sent out. They come back. They are sent out. They come back. They are terrified. Their fear and their lack of terrified. Their fear and their lack of terrified. Their fear and their lack of trust resulted in 40 years of the trust resulted in 40 years of the trust resulted in 40 years of the wilderness. That's the outside circle.

wilderness. That's the outside circle. wilderness. That's the outside circle. Then last week, we saw Korah. We saw in Then last week, we saw Korah. We saw in Then last week, we saw Korah. We saw in Numbers chapter 16 that Korah rose up Numbers chapter 16 that Korah rose up Numbers chapter 16 that Korah rose up against Moses and Aaron. His own pride against Moses and Aaron. His own pride against Moses and Aaron. His own pride and jealousy took over and the ground and jealousy took over and the ground and jealousy took over and the ground swallowed up. In fact, if you missed swallowed up. In fact, if you missed swallowed up. In fact, if you missed that message, you've got to go back to that message, you've got to go back to that message, you've got to go back to last week. Eric's message was amazing. I last week. Eric's message was amazing. I last week. Eric's message was amazing. I want you to hear that. And now, the want you to hear that. And now, the want you to hear that. And now, the third rebellion, the inner circle. In third rebellion, the inner circle. In third rebellion, the inner circle. In the exact same location as the first the exact same location as the first the exact same location as the first rebellion, we are now here at the rebellion, we are now here at the rebellion, we are now here at the Tabernacle. These are God's guys, Moses Tabernacle. These are God's guys, Moses Tabernacle. These are God's guys, Moses and Aaron. 40 years they've led people and Aaron. 40 years they've led people and Aaron. 40 years they've led people through the wilderness and they have through the wilderness and they have through the wilderness and they have arrived back exactly where it started. arrived back exactly where it started. arrived back exactly where it started. But this time, we see that the inner But this time, we see that the inner But this time, we see that the inner circle is susceptible to failure, too. circle is susceptible to failure, too. circle is susceptible to failure, too. They're so close to the promised land. They're so close to the promised land. They're so close to the promised land. In fact, look at this map. Kadesh is on In fact, look at this map. Kadesh is on In fact, look at this map. Kadesh is on the border of Canaan, the promised land, the border of Canaan, the promised land, the border of Canaan, the promised land, the place in which they're trying to go. the place in which they're trying to go. the place in which they're trying to go. They traveled 80 200 miles and they're They traveled 80 200 miles and they're They traveled 80 200 miles and they're only 80 miles away from being in the only 80 miles away from being in the only 80 miles away from being in the place in which God promised to them.

place in which God promised to them. place in which God promised to them. And this is the place that Moses was And this is the place that Moses was And this is the place that Moses was disqualified. He was prohibited from disqualified. He was prohibited from disqualified. He was prohibited from entering into the promised land. entering into the promised land. entering into the promised land. And you might be asking yourself, like, And you might be asking yourself, like, And you might be asking yourself, like, isn't that kind of harsh? Like, does isn't that kind of harsh? Like, does isn't that kind of harsh? Like, does this feel too harsh? I don't know. Let this feel too harsh? I don't know. Let this feel too harsh? I don't know. Let me tell you about how harsh I can be me tell you about how harsh I can be me tell you about how harsh I can be sometimes. I I recently got the worst sometimes. I I recently got the worst sometimes. I I recently got the worst haircut of my life. haircut of my life. haircut of my life. And I know what you're probably And I know what you're probably And I know what you're probably thinking, and it kind of hurts because thinking, and it kind of hurts because thinking, and it kind of hurts because it isn't this haircut, okay? It's not it isn't this haircut, okay? It's not it isn't this haircut, okay? It's not this one. It was a prior one. But I sat this one. It was a prior one. But I sat this one. It was a prior one. But I sat down in the chair to a guy that I'd down in the chair to a guy that I'd down in the chair to a guy that I'd never seen before and he looks at me and never seen before and he looks at me and never seen before and he looks at me and says, all right, what are we doing here says, all right, what are we doing here says, all right, what are we doing here today? And I kind of explained it and he today? And I kind of explained it and he today? And I kind of explained it and he says this, so your hair like swoops says this, so your hair like swoops says this, so your hair like swoops forward and then over. Like is that what forward and then over. Like is that what forward and then over. Like is that what you want? you want? you want? And he said it in such a way that I was And he said it in such a way that I was And he said it in such a way that I was like, like, like, no, definitely definitely not. And I no, definitely definitely not. And I no, definitely definitely not. And I said the worst thing you can say to said the worst thing you can say to said the worst thing you can say to somebody. I said, just do whatever you somebody. I said, just do whatever you somebody. I said, just do whatever you think. And within 10 seconds I knew that think. And within 10 seconds I knew that think. And within 10 seconds I knew that I was doomed. And I also knew I would I was doomed. And I also knew I would I was doomed. And I also knew I would never return back to that guy.

never return back to that guy. never return back to that guy. You see, Moses that like well for me You see, Moses that like well for me You see, Moses that like well for me that was a small mistake and and I will that was a small mistake and and I will that was a small mistake and and I will never go back to him. Maybe that's too never go back to him. Maybe that's too never go back to him. Maybe that's too harsh. But Moses did not make a small harsh. But Moses did not make a small harsh. But Moses did not make a small mistake. He put himself in the place of mistake. He put himself in the place of mistake. He put himself in the place of God. He made himself the provider. He God. He made himself the provider. He God. He made himself the provider. He took the credit for what only God could took the credit for what only God could took the credit for what only God could do. do. do. Now, I want you to understand that this Now, I want you to understand that this Now, I want you to understand that this was a consequence, not a punishment. was a consequence, not a punishment. was a consequence, not a punishment. What are the differences there? And I What are the differences there? And I What are the differences there? And I know I'm going to kind of play with know I'm going to kind of play with know I'm going to kind of play with words here a little bit, but I do think words here a little bit, but I do think words here a little bit, but I do think it's important for our own understanding it's important for our own understanding it's important for our own understanding of God. of God. of God. As I've shared already, God desired a As I've shared already, God desired a As I've shared already, God desired a human partner. Moses was God's chosen human partner. Moses was God's chosen human partner. Moses was God's chosen leader from the plagues to the splitting leader from the plagues to the splitting leader from the plagues to the splitting of the sea, the 10 Commandments, and now of the sea, the 10 Commandments, and now of the sea, the 10 Commandments, and now in this story we see that the mighty are in this story we see that the mighty are in this story we see that the mighty are able to fall. able to fall. able to fall. There's a There's a book that Jim There's a There's a book that Jim There's a There's a book that Jim Collins wrote in 2009 called How the Collins wrote in 2009 called How the Collins wrote in 2009 called How the Mighty Fall. And if you've read that Mighty Fall. And if you've read that Mighty Fall. And if you've read that book, you know that it's actually easier book, you know that it's actually easier book, you know that it's actually easier than some people realize. When building than some people realize. When building than some people realize. When building a company, the reason that some people a company, the reason that some people a company, the reason that some people fall is essentially this, that they have fall is essentially this, that they have fall is essentially this, that they have some early success and a hubris is born.

some early success and a hubris is born. some early success and a hubris is born. Those leaders start to believe their own Those leaders start to believe their own Those leaders start to believe their own press and so what do they do? They start press and so what do they do? They start press and so what do they do? They start an undisciplined pursuit of more. They an undisciplined pursuit of more. They an undisciplined pursuit of more. They start to overreach into some areas start to overreach into some areas start to overreach into some areas outside of their own competence and then outside of their own competence and then outside of their own competence and then they start to feel a a bit more risky, they start to feel a a bit more risky, they start to feel a a bit more risky, but they deny that there is actually but they deny that there is actually but they deny that there is actually risk or peril that is waiting for them. risk or peril that is waiting for them. risk or peril that is waiting for them. They have moved outside of their core They have moved outside of their core They have moved outside of their core competence, and they are now operating competence, and they are now operating competence, and they are now operating in a place of risk. And so, when the in a place of risk. And so, when the in a place of risk. And so, when the time comes, there's a little downturn in time comes, there's a little downturn in time comes, there's a little downturn in their profitability, they start to grasp their profitability, they start to grasp their profitability, they start to grasp for salvation. That's Jim Collins' for salvation. That's Jim Collins' for salvation. That's Jim Collins' words. They start to look for that words. They start to look for that words. They start to look for that silver bullet, the new leader, the bold silver bullet, the new leader, the bold silver bullet, the new leader, the bold pivot, this radical restructure. pivot, this radical restructure. pivot, this radical restructure. And then, most fail. They slip into And then, most fail. They slip into And then, most fail. They slip into irrelevance or death. And here's his irrelevance or death. And here's his irrelevance or death. And here's his closing point. If leaders can catch closing point. If leaders can catch closing point. If leaders can catch decline early enough and name it decline early enough and name it decline early enough and name it honestly, honestly, honestly, and they can return to the disciplines and they can return to the disciplines and they can return to the disciplines that produced greatness in the first that produced greatness in the first that produced greatness in the first place, rather than reaching for an place, rather than reaching for an place, rather than reaching for an outside savior themselves, they would outside savior themselves, they would outside savior themselves, they would not fall or fail.

not fall or fail. not fall or fail. Moses did not catch his decline early Moses did not catch his decline early Moses did not catch his decline early enough. He allowed the pressure and the enough. He allowed the pressure and the enough. He allowed the pressure and the demands to bend his actions, and his demands to bend his actions, and his demands to bend his actions, and his consequences feel harsh, but Moses is consequences feel harsh, but Moses is consequences feel harsh, but Moses is not an average person. Moses is not like not an average person. Moses is not like not an average person. Moses is not like you and I. This is the leader of the you and I. This is the leader of the you and I. This is the leader of the people of God. The holiness of God is people of God. The holiness of God is people of God. The holiness of God is not something to be messed with. And so, not something to be messed with. And so, not something to be messed with. And so, God needed a partner, and even Moses God needed a partner, and even Moses God needed a partner, and even Moses failed. failed. failed. Even Moses was able to fail. Even Moses was able to fail. Even Moses was able to fail. Now, that failure is both an Now, that failure is both an Now, that failure is both an illustration and an example for us, but illustration and an example for us, but illustration and an example for us, but it's also a reminder that at the end of it's also a reminder that at the end of it's also a reminder that at the end of the day, every human was eventually the day, every human was eventually the day, every human was eventually going to fail. going to fail. going to fail. And so, what does God do? You know, And so, what does God do? You know, And so, what does God do? You know, eventually God sent his own son to be eventually God sent his own son to be eventually God sent his own son to be the God-man, fully God, fully man, who the God-man, fully God, fully man, who the God-man, fully God, fully man, who would not fail or fall. Jesus is the would not fail or fall. Jesus is the would not fail or fall. Jesus is the rock, and it is on this foundation that rock, and it is on this foundation that rock, and it is on this foundation that the church was built. The victory of the church was built. The victory of the church was built. The victory of Jesus is our victory. That the Jesus is our victory. That the Jesus is our victory. That the punishment has been satisfied, the punishment has been satisfied, the punishment has been satisfied, the punishment was paid by Jesus, the wrath punishment was paid by Jesus, the wrath punishment was paid by Jesus, the wrath was poured out on him. We are human, and was poured out on him. We are human, and was poured out on him. We are human, and we fail, too. And our failure is not we fail, too. And our failure is not we fail, too. And our failure is not final, and our punishment has already final, and our punishment has already final, and our punishment has already been paid. That is the grace of Jesus.

been paid. That is the grace of Jesus. been paid. That is the grace of Jesus. That is the beauty of having a That is the beauty of having a That is the beauty of having a relationship with him. While we may relationship with him. While we may relationship with him. While we may fail, and there may be consequences for fail, and there may be consequences for fail, and there may be consequences for our actions, we will not face punishment our actions, we will not face punishment our actions, we will not face punishment because Jesus has on our behalf. because Jesus has on our behalf. because Jesus has on our behalf. Now, you're probably thinking like, Now, you're probably thinking like, Now, you're probably thinking like, wasn't this story all about people being wasn't this story all about people being wasn't this story all about people being thirsty? And the answer is yes. And thirsty? And the answer is yes. And thirsty? And the answer is yes. And inevitably, only Jesus, who is the rock, inevitably, only Jesus, who is the rock, inevitably, only Jesus, who is the rock, can be the provider of living water. can be the provider of living water. can be the provider of living water. There's one story in the New Testament, There's one story in the New Testament, There's one story in the New Testament, as Jesus was with his closest 12 as Jesus was with his closest 12 as Jesus was with his closest 12 disciples. In Matthew chapter 16, it disciples. In Matthew chapter 16, it disciples. In Matthew chapter 16, it says this, "When Jesus came to the says this, "When Jesus came to the says this, "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that his disciples, 'Who do people say that his disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?'" And they replied, the Son of Man is?'" And they replied, the Son of Man is?'" And they replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others "Some say John the Baptist, others "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." the prophets." the prophets." "But you," he asked them, "who do you "But you," he asked them, "who do you "But you," he asked them, "who do you say I am?" And Simon Peter answered, say I am?" And Simon Peter answered, say I am?" And Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the "You are the Messiah, the Son of the "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus responded, living God." And Jesus responded, living God." And Jesus responded, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal because flesh and blood did not reveal because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven.

this to you, but my Father in heaven. this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I also say to you that you are And I also say to you that you are And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Peter, and on this rock I will build my Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not church, and the gates of Hades will not church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys overpower it. I will give you the keys overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." of the kingdom of heaven." of the kingdom of heaven." Let's contrast these two stories. Moses Let's contrast these two stories. Moses Let's contrast these two stories. Moses at Kadesh, now called Meribah, God said, at Kadesh, now called Meribah, God said, at Kadesh, now called Meribah, God said, "Speak to the rock." And Moses spoke to "Speak to the rock." And Moses spoke to "Speak to the rock." And Moses spoke to the people instead. And what he said was the people instead. And what he said was the people instead. And what he said was words of bitterness. He said, "Listen, words of bitterness. He said, "Listen, words of bitterness. He said, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring water out of you rebels, must we bring water out of you rebels, must we bring water out of this rock for you?" And then the verdict this rock for you?" And then the verdict this rock for you?" And then the verdict came from God. "Because you, Moses and came from God. "Because you, Moses and came from God. "Because you, Moses and Aaron, did not trust me to demonstrate Aaron, did not trust me to demonstrate Aaron, did not trust me to demonstrate my holiness in the sight of the my holiness in the sight of the my holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this Israelites, you will not bring this Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land." assembly into the land." assembly into the land." But Peter, at Caesarea Philippi, when But Peter, at Caesarea Philippi, when But Peter, at Caesarea Philippi, when Jesus said, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus said, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus said, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter spoke and he said that this on Peter spoke and he said that this on Peter spoke and he said that this on this confession, he says, "You are the this confession, he says, "You are the this confession, he says, "You are the Messiah, the son of the living God." He Messiah, the son of the living God." He Messiah, the son of the living God." He named Christ correctly in front of the named Christ correctly in front of the named Christ correctly in front of the disciples and in front of this rock disciples and in front of this rock disciples and in front of this rock which was filled with false gods and which was filled with false gods and which was filled with false gods and pagan worship. And then the commission pagan worship. And then the commission pagan worship. And then the commission from Jesus came. Jesus says to them, "On from Jesus came. Jesus says to them, "On from Jesus came. Jesus says to them, "On this rock." So, on the confession that this rock." So, on the confession that this rock." So, on the confession that Peter made about Jesus being the Peter made about Jesus being the Peter made about Jesus being the Messiah, "I will build my church and I Messiah, "I will build my church and I Messiah, "I will build my church and I will give you the kingdom of heaven."

will give you the kingdom of heaven." will give you the kingdom of heaven." Peter rightly represented God in front Peter rightly represented God in front Peter rightly represented God in front of people and was given the keys to the of people and was given the keys to the of people and was given the keys to the kingdom. kingdom. kingdom. You see, Moses spoke to the people and You see, Moses spoke to the people and You see, Moses spoke to the people and he faced the consequence. But when Jesus he faced the consequence. But when Jesus he faced the consequence. But when Jesus was with Peter, Peter said, "You are the was with Peter, Peter said, "You are the was with Peter, Peter said, "You are the Messiah." And Jesus says, "It is on that Messiah." And Jesus says, "It is on that Messiah." And Jesus says, "It is on that confession that I will build the church, confession that I will build the church, confession that I will build the church, the church that you and I are a part of the church that you and I are a part of the church that you and I are a part of today, and you will be given the keys of today, and you will be given the keys of today, and you will be given the keys of the kingdom." the kingdom." the kingdom." The contrast is both beautiful and it is The contrast is both beautiful and it is The contrast is both beautiful and it is a warning sign for all of us. a warning sign for all of us. a warning sign for all of us. You see, You see, You see, it's inside of the wilderness that it's inside of the wilderness that it's inside of the wilderness that rebellions can happen. rebellions can happen. rebellions can happen. And I think already you know that if And I think already you know that if And I think already you know that if Moses can fail, so can you and I. Moses can fail, so can you and I. Moses can fail, so can you and I. And when challenges come, when our needs And when challenges come, when our needs And when challenges come, when our needs go unmet, go unmet, go unmet, when the dreams that you have for your when the dreams that you have for your when the dreams that you have for your life are met with opposition, life are met with opposition, life are met with opposition, this is where we are most susceptible to this is where we are most susceptible to this is where we are most susceptible to rebellion. rebellion. rebellion. This is when your perseverance begins to This is when your perseverance begins to This is when your perseverance begins to wane.

wane. wane. When your frustration increases and When your frustration increases and When your frustration increases and hopelessness starts to creep in, hopelessness starts to creep in, hopelessness starts to creep in, and you start to ask yourself, like, and you start to ask yourself, like, and you start to ask yourself, like, "What am I doing wrong? Why can't I get "What am I doing wrong? Why can't I get "What am I doing wrong? Why can't I get out of this rut? What's wrong with me?" out of this rut? What's wrong with me?" out of this rut? What's wrong with me?" Like, how long can that frustration go Like, how long can that frustration go Like, how long can that frustration go before it starts to become grumbling? before it starts to become grumbling? before it starts to become grumbling? It's really only a matter of time It's really only a matter of time It's really only a matter of time if not carefully managed that we will if not carefully managed that we will if not carefully managed that we will begin to grumble just like the people of begin to grumble just like the people of begin to grumble just like the people of God God God that we've seen all throughout the book that we've seen all throughout the book that we've seen all throughout the book of Numbers. You see, their grumbling of Numbers. You see, their grumbling of Numbers. You see, their grumbling ultimately becomes an indictment against ultimately becomes an indictment against ultimately becomes an indictment against God. God. God. "We would be better off in slavery. You "We would be better off in slavery. You "We would be better off in slavery. You have brought us here to die." That is have brought us here to die." That is have brought us here to die." That is what the people of God has declared what the people of God has declared what the people of God has declared throughout the book of Numbers. throughout the book of Numbers. throughout the book of Numbers. And so, let me ask you. And so, let me ask you. And so, let me ask you. Have your circumstances caused you to Have your circumstances caused you to Have your circumstances caused you to rebel against God? rebel against God? rebel against God? Maybe it's not an outward rebellion, Maybe it's not an outward rebellion, Maybe it's not an outward rebellion, although that happens, too. We run from although that happens, too. We run from although that happens, too. We run from God. We pursue other things. We go after God. We pursue other things. We go after God. We pursue other things. We go after our own desires.

our own desires. our own desires. But, occasionally, these are inward But, occasionally, these are inward But, occasionally, these are inward rebellions where we start to doubt. We rebellions where we start to doubt. We rebellions where we start to doubt. We start to question in such a way that start to question in such a way that start to question in such a way that starts to become unhealthy. We start to starts to become unhealthy. We start to starts to become unhealthy. We start to seek after different things, and we seek after different things, and we seek after different things, and we begin inside of our own hearts. We begin begin inside of our own hearts. We begin begin inside of our own hearts. We begin to rebel almost exactly like the three to rebel almost exactly like the three to rebel almost exactly like the three rebellions that we saw in Numbers. Maybe rebellions that we saw in Numbers. Maybe rebellions that we saw in Numbers. Maybe you're like the scouts in Numbers you're like the scouts in Numbers you're like the scouts in Numbers chapter 13 chapter 13 chapter 13 where they had a fear of what was out where they had a fear of what was out where they had a fear of what was out there and a lack of trust that God would there and a lack of trust that God would there and a lack of trust that God would take care of them. take care of them. take care of them. Or perhaps like Korah from Numbers 16 Or perhaps like Korah from Numbers 16 Or perhaps like Korah from Numbers 16 where they allowed pride and jealousy to where they allowed pride and jealousy to where they allowed pride and jealousy to consume them consume them consume them to go after their leaders and to put to go after their leaders and to put to go after their leaders and to put themselves in their place. themselves in their place. themselves in their place. Or maybe you're like Moses and Aaron Or maybe you're like Moses and Aaron Or maybe you're like Moses and Aaron where you look at your life and you are where you look at your life and you are where you look at your life and you are taking credit for God's activity. taking credit for God's activity. taking credit for God's activity. That bank account, your job, you look at That bank account, your job, you look at That bank account, your job, you look at the things in which you have in your the things in which you have in your the things in which you have in your life, and you think you are the one who life, and you think you are the one who life, and you think you are the one who created those things.

created those things. created those things. Where are you most susceptible Where are you most susceptible Where are you most susceptible for rebellion? for rebellion? for rebellion? Because of Jesus Because of Jesus Because of Jesus our rebellion does not lead to our rebellion does not lead to our rebellion does not lead to punishment, and I'm so grateful for punishment, and I'm so grateful for punishment, and I'm so grateful for that. that. that. When you and I approach God with When you and I approach God with When you and I approach God with humility, when we confess our rebellion, humility, when we confess our rebellion, humility, when we confess our rebellion, we remind our souls that he is God we remind our souls that he is God we remind our souls that he is God and we are not. and we are not. and we are not. Then, we are reminded that it's on that Then, we are reminded that it's on that Then, we are reminded that it's on that confession of faith that we are standing confession of faith that we are standing confession of faith that we are standing on the rock that is Jesus. He is our on the rock that is Jesus. He is our on the rock that is Jesus. He is our foundation. He is our provider, our foundation. He is our provider, our foundation. He is our provider, our sustainer. He is our king. Amen and sustainer. He is our king. Amen and sustainer. He is our king. Amen and amen. amen. amen. I am so grateful for you. This is a I am so grateful for you. This is a I am so grateful for you. This is a chance where you and I get to sing to chance where you and I get to sing to chance where you and I get to sing to our king Jesus, the one on which we our king Jesus, the one on which we our king Jesus, the one on which we stand. Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for our service today. our service today. our service today. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I hope and pray that God used this >> And I hope and pray that God used this >> And I hope and pray that God used this message to encourage you right where you message to encourage you right where you message to encourage you right where you are. are. are. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'd love if you hit the subscribe >> I'd love if you hit the subscribe >> I'd love if you hit the subscribe button, cuz then you could get the next button, cuz then you could get the next button, cuz then you could get the next alert for whenever we have services and alert for whenever we have services and alert for whenever we have services and when that we ever offer content here when that we ever offer content here when that we ever offer content here [music] on YouTube. So, subscribe and [music] on YouTube. So, subscribe and [music] on YouTube. So, subscribe and join us for Mariners online.