Jesus excelled Moses in every possible way. In any reference, Jesus credited Moses as God’s spokesman, but left no doubt: he succeeded Moses with a superior ethic. Even Moses couldn’t lead Israel into Canaan. A sin against God’s direct word, in the 40th year of Israel’s wandering, cost the Great Prophet, Legislator, Poet and Writer access.
That teaches two important lessons. One, God’s rule rules even his appointed ministers. Merely striking the stone, from which God directed him to SPEAK water into existence, cost Moses inheritance in Canaan Numbers 20:1-13. That warns all of God’s leaders, lay or clerical: do not think he exempts us from the discipleship he expects from church members. Let us abhor the myth that teaching and leading others automatically guarantees our personal spiritual enfranchisement. Paul himself warned against such presumption in I Corinthians 9:26-27. Two, unless each is forgiven, every Christian is accountable to God for every sin committed, however exalted our office. Whatever role we fill, whatever function we discharge, whatever title we hold, Christ looks first and foremost at how we let him rule our personal habits, attitudes and lifestyle. We may each face particular challenges in being a disciple—something particular that can, if we let it, prevent growth in Christ-likeness. Peter had to conquer his love of fishing to be an apostle (writer’s interpretation of John 21:15). Paul had to surrender his religious pedigree Philippians 3:4-14. The two quasi disciples wanted to be followers—LATER. good old procrastination at work Luke 9:59-62; later is easier because it delays decisions. Governor Felix had an interest, but surrendering his ego-driven life killed his desire Acts 24:24-26. The Rich Young Ruler flatly refused to pay the price Jesus placed on his discipleship Matthew 19:16-22. Whatever we want to keep, but surrender to serve Jesus, is the wild horse we ride to successful discipleship. Whatever we want to keep, and won’t surrender, will be the wild horse that tramples lifeless our spiritual life under its hooves! End Part II
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