He Lost His Patience

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4.
Notwithstanding the fact that Moses was the meekest man that lived upon the earth, on one occasion he drew the displeasure of God upon himself…. The undeserved reproaches of the people which fell upon him led him for a moment to forget that their murmuring was not against him, but against God; and instead of being grieved because the Spirit of God was insulted, he became irritated, offended, and in a self-willed, impatient manner struck the rock twice saying: “Hear now, ye rebels, must we fetch you water out of this rock?” …
Moses revealed great weakness before the people. He showed a marked lack of self-control, a spirit similar to that possessed by the murmurers. He should have been an example of forbearance and patience before that multitude, who were ready to excuse their failures, disaffections, and unreasonable murmurings, on account of this exhibition of wrong on his part. The greatest sin consisted in assuming to take the place of God. The position of honor that Moses had heretofore occupied did not lessen his guilt, but greatly magnified it. Here was a man hitherto blameless, now fallen. Many in a similar position would reason that their sin would be overlooked because of their long life of unwavering fidelity. But no; it was a more serious matter for a man who had been honored of God to show weakness of character in the exhibition of passion than if he had occupied a less responsible position. Moses was a representative of Christ, but how sadly was the figure marred! Moses had sinned, and his past fidelity could not atone for the present sin…. Moses and Aaron must die without entering Canaan, subjected to the same punishment that fell upon those in a more lowly position. They bowed in submission, though with anguish of heart that was inexpressible; but their love for and confidence in God was unshaken…. But few realize the sinfulness of sin…. The cases of Moses and Aaron … show that it is not a safe thing to sin in word or thought or deed.
Conflict and Courage p.109
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Ron C. is in the hospital to have a kidney and tumor removed. Esther
—–Please pray that B gets a good paying job very soon. Things are getting critical. L
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Dear Friends,
When I was young, I had a friend named June. Over the years, we had times when we were in the same class. We thoroughly enjoyed those times. When we were in high school, our Physical Science we got to sit side by side in the front row. That was so much fun! Whenever we dared, we would whisper and giggle about everything and anything. We got to choose lab partners, so we choose each other and had a great time doing the required experiments together.
During lab, we all were allowed to talk freely, so, of course, June and I always chatted happily as we did the experiments. One day, however, things became a little bit too exciting. While pouring a fairly mild acid into the beaker I was holding, June began laughing at something I had said. She laughed so hard that her hands became unsteady causing the acid to run down the side of the beaker I was holding. Immediately, I stuck my hands into the stream of continuously running water that was between our workstations. All seemed to be fine at first, but a little later the skin on the back of my right hand became yellow and hard and began to crack as I moved it. Eventually, new skin replaced the old and I had no lasting damage, but for awhile it was uncomfortable.
How often we “pour acid” upon others, that does far more damage and lasts far longer than what June accidentally did to me. How often the damage done through our words can never be undone. Solomon tells us, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Prov 18:8 God commands, “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.” Lev 19:16 “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” David sang, “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? . . . He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.” Psa 15:1, 3, 34:13
How often we “pour” another type of “acid” upon those around us. Peter speaks of this “acid” as being a busybody, a meddler. He advises, “let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.” 1 Peter 4:15 Think of it! Meddling in others’ lives is listed alongside the sins of murder, thievery, and evildoing. “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth.” Rom 14:4 No matter how pure our motives might be, when we force our ideas upon others, when we meddle in their lives, we have overstepped our bounds. Indeed, our Heavenly Father does not even do so. He never forces His will upon us. Instead, He gently leads us into the way in which we should go, hoping that we will choose the right way.
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing, knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good, let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:8-12
Rose