New Evangelizers Post: Why Was Moses’ Sin So Bad?

                                 

 

I have a new article up at NewEvangelizers.com.  

In my Theology class, we recently went over the sin of Moses.

For those who do not recall, in Numbers 20, Moses was instructed to strike the rock with his staff so that water would miraculous flow out to the thirsting Hebrews. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice. As a result, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Whenever I go over this story with my students, they always have the same reaction: “That’s not fair!”

Up until this point, Moses had done so much on God’s behalf. He led the people out of Egypt, he received the 10 Commandments, he guided them in the ways of God. He was so close to God that it said of Moses that he spoke to Him “face to face.” (Exodus 33:11)

Also, if you look at the context of the event, you can why Moses would be out of sorts. His sister had just died and immediately the Hebrews complain, saying that they wish that they were dead because of their lack of water. This would be like complaining to someone holding a wake for a loved one over the quality of the refreshments.

So why is God so harsh with Moses?

Part of the problem is that when we think of this story, we often place ourselves in Moses’ position and imagine how unfair the punishment would be if we had struck the rock twice. The thought experiment breaks down because we are thinking of ourselves striking the rock and not Moses.

When I teach this lesson in class, I begin by engaging the students in seemingly casual chit-chat before the lesson begins. I mention that I heard a news story that the pope was accused of stealing Vatican money and using it to bet on soccer matches. I ask the students if they had heard the news as well (surprisingly, there are usually a few who say that they have). We then discuss how they feel if the story turns out to be true. Many of them express dismay. When I point out that people steal and gamble all over the world, they say that this is worse because the pope is the leader of the Church. He is held to higher standard.

And that is the key to understanding the sin of Moses.

Moses’ sin is so great because it is Moses who sins.

You can read the whole article here.