Owning Our Sin

"At that time, I pleaded with the LORD...Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan - that fine hill country and Lebanon."

"But because of you the LORD was angry with me and would not listen to me. 'That is enough,' the LORD said. 'Do not speak to me anymore about this matter.'" Deuteronomy 3:23, 25-26

Poor Moses. He has led a rebellious, ungrateful people around the desert for forty years. He has faithfully escorted them to the front door of the promised land. There is only one problem: he doesn't get to cross the threshold.

Because of events that took place earlier in the journey, Moses lost his temper with the Israelites and, in the process, misrepresented God at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:7-12). Moses failed to honor God as holy in the sight of the people. And, now the fullness of his actions - his choice - is coming to fruition.

Moses pleads with God to change his mind. God cuts him off just as a parent cuts off a child when there is nothing left to discuss. Enough! What's done is done. Do not bring it up, again.

I assume that is the end of Moses' pleading with God but it doesn't stop him from telling the Israelites all about it. It doesn't prevent him from spreading the blame. It doesn't stop him from trying to inflict guilt amongst the people, "because of you the LORD was angry with me."

Because of you, I can't go to the promised land. It's all your fault.

What would have happened if Moses has said, "Because I lost my temper with you. Because I did not honor the LORD as holy. Because I did these things, I may not enter the land the LORD is giving you. Take care that you do not commit these same offenses against the LORD."?

Jesus walked this earth without sin. But all along the way, he encouraged others to own theirs. He wants me to do the same. He doesn't want me to spread the blame or try to make others feel guilty. He wants me to meet him at the cross where my failures can be dealt with properly.

He wants me to live in the freedom of forgiveness.