Deuteronomy 3:5-6 “‘25 Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ 26 But the Lord was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the Lord said to me, ‘Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter.’” 

STOP ASKING ME THAT!

 How many times have you begged someone for something?  I mean really beg.  Moses, had undoubtedly asked the Lord to allow him to go into the Promised Land more than once.  But because he had disobeyed Him way back in the wilderness, God’s decision was final.

Do you remember that incident?  God had told Moses to speak to the rock, and it would give water.  Instead, Moses struck the rock with his staff.  Water still came out, but Moses had not followed God’s instructions.  God said then that Moses would not enter the Promised Land.  I guess Moses had held out hope that as they neared the Promised Land the Lord might reconsider.

TEACHING MOMENT

How many times have your kids done this to you?  You hand down a consequence for disobedience, and they start right in begging for mercy.  How many times have you given in, just to get them quiet?  Come on, be honest.  You know you’ve done that.

Don’t do it.  It’s okay to reconsider and lessen the consequence, but don’t do it because of their whining.  That teaches them the wrong thing.  This will go with them into their adult life –  whining, complaining, murmuring until they get their way.  That won’t work in the workplace or in their marriage.  Be firm and hold them accountable.

You may be thinking, “Carl, it’s too late. I have already created a monster.”  No, it’s not too late.  Start today following the Lord’s example.  Moses got to see the Promised Land (that was a little compromise the Lord gave without changing the consequence), but he never stepped foot in it.  You, too, hold firm.

Lord, I am so tempted to give in to pressure from others when they want me to change my mind on something that I know is right.  Give me the courage and strength to stand firm.  Help me teach my children the value of sticking to your word.