PICTURE THIS: MOSES LAST DAYS, climbing that lonely mountain if only to view the promised land from afar. Knowing the whole time, it was his calling to lead the Israelites into that land flowing with milk and honey. Tears streaming down his face. Oh the rashness of sin!
“He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.” Proverbs 14:29 NKJV
His impulsive behavior costs him. He failed in this one seemingly little area, yet God saw it as a great failure worthy of severe punishment. We may never know the whole story, but rest assured God was justified in His punishment of Moses. How many promises of God have I not taken hold of because of my own disobedience? How many promises have I missed out on because I let my emotions rule me instead of God’s Word?
Disobedience can cost you a little or it can cost you everything. While it’s true, you can disobey in some things and still inherit eternal life; but it will still cost you. Moses had his home in heaven; but his disobedience was costly. God doesn’t withhold His discipline just because you repent. Love requires discipline. Repent and be sorrowful, yes! But disobedience will cost you. And the price may be more than you can bear. It cost Moses his full calling. It cost Jonah, Saul, Samson and Israel. Let that be a warning to you. Here’s the hazard and warning of disobedience: continual disobedience leads to a deceived mind, which leads to the hardening of the heart, which leads to apathy towards the Holy Spirit, which leads to grieving the Spirit, which leads to putting out His flame. God will not be mocked. There’s nothing that escapes His eye.
“Blessed is the man who ENDURES temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 NKJV
My advice? Just obey immediately and calmly. Trust God’s Word fully. Do not let your emotions get in the way and do not worry about what others think of you. Leave the outcome to the Lord. I want you to fulfill all He has given you to do and I don’t want you to miss out on one single glorious promise of God.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page