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The Earthly Consequence and Forgiveness of Moses

Writer: Dwight SchettlerDwight Schettler
4 hours ago2 min read

Does forgiveness remove consequences?

Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 5, Forgive as God Forgave You, Question 11 & 12, p. 74


Moses, the revered leader and prophet of Israel, committed an act of disobedience that bore significant earthly consequences. In Numbers 20:10-13, we read that Moses struck the rock at Meribah-Kadesh rather than speaking to it as God commanded. This incident marked a pivotal moment in his journey.


Earthly Consequences

Moses’ sin at Meribah-Kadesh was a direct defiance of God's instruction. Instead of speaking to the rock to bring forth water, Moses struck it twice with his staff in a moment of frustration and anger. This act of disobedience had grave repercussions. As described in Deuteronomy 32:48-52, "That very day the Lord spoke to Moses, 'Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.'" Moses was permitted to see the Promised Land from a distance but was denied entry into it, highlighting the severity of his disobedience.


New Testament Evidence of Forgiveness

Despite this earthly consequence, there is profound evidence in the New Testament that Moses was forgiven by God. In Mark 9:2-4, we read of Moses' presence during the Transfiguration of Jesus: “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.” The appearance of Moses in this divine encounter signifies that he was indeed forgiven and remains honored in the heavenly realm.


This juxtaposition of Moses' earthly punishment and God's forgiveness underscores the profound nature of God's justice and mercy. It serves as a reminder that while there may be consequences for our actions, God's forgiveness is always within reach for those who seek it.


 

This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:

 
 
 

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