How important is it not only to do what God has said, but to do it in the way that He has told us to do it? Another way to ask the same question is this, “Does God really mean what He says?” As you consider the answers to these questions, consider the example of Moses. In Numbers 20, the congregation of Israel began to grumble because there was no water (2-5). In this case, God told Moses to speak to the rock in order that they might have water (6-9). Note that in Exodus 17 there is a very similar account, but in that case Moses was instructed to strike the rock; however, in Numbers 20, Moses was told to speak, not to strike. Nevertheless, Moses, frustrated with the rebelliousness of the people, struck the rock and it brought forth water (10-11). Does this mean that it does not matter that Moses struck instead of speaking? Though the rock brought forth water, God was very displeased with Moses and Aaron, and He forbade them from entering the Promised Land (12). Why? “Because you did not believe in Me, to uphold Me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel…” (12). Thus, when we don’t do what God says in the way He says to do it, it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part, and our action does not honor God.
[The New Testament is the source of God’s instructions for mankind living today (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14; Romans 7:6-7). Questioning God’s instructions by failing to do what the New Testament teaches or implementing something in place of God’s instructions will prove eternally perilous to those immortal souls (Matthew 7:21-23; Colossians 2:23). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
