1118-Trusting God is the Source of Abundant Life#
1118-Trusting God is the Source of Abundant Life
(JP Text Group - Organized by Yun Dan Feng Qing)
The scripture shared today is Numbers 20:1-13:
In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel arrived at the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. Miriam died there and was buried there. There was no water for the congregation, and they gathered against Moses and Aaron. The people contended with Moses, saying, “If only we had died when our brothers died before the Lord! Why have you brought the Lord's congregation into this wilderness to die here, we and our livestock? Why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there any water to drink.”
Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. In their sight, you shall speak to the rock, and it will yield its water. You shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from before the Lord as He commanded him.
Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and Moses said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in Me, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” This water was called Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was hallowed among them (Meribah means contention).
The topic we are sharing: Trusting God is the Source of Abundant Life
We believe that in this incident at Kadesh, the people's complaints and Moses striking the rock led to Moses and that generation being unable to enter the land of Canaan. A sister asked me if it was because Moses was disobedient that he could not enter the promised land? We will share together with the brothers and sisters about this question, what does the land of Canaan represent?
With this question in mind, let us share God's word together. I hope every brother and sister will reflect on how God answers these questions. Why did such a mistake by Moses lead to such serious consequences, preventing him from entering the land of Canaan?
In verse 12, God said, “Because you did not believe in Me.” Did the Israelites not believe in God? They knew it was God, and they followed Him out of Egypt; how could it be said that they did not believe? Hebrews 4 mentions, “They could not enter the promised land because of unbelief.” Brothers and sisters, the unbelief here does not refer to their disbelief in God, but rather their lack of faith in God regarding entering Canaan. It is not related to salvation but to victory. In life, many believers struggle to trust God in certain matters, and in those matters, they cannot see God's provision and miracles.
The greatest sorrow of Christians is knowing God but not trusting Him. No matter how great, loving, or wonderful God is, if someone does not trust Him, God's power will not manifest in that person's life. Many people know that Jesus is God, but throughout their lives, they rarely rely on Him. Many Christians are poor rich people; the Father is very wealthy, yet as children of God, they live in poverty, and the reason is a misunderstanding of who God is.
Moses did not disbelieve in God; it refers to Moses not teaching the people according to God's way. After we finish sharing, the brothers and sisters will understand why this was a fatal mistake!
What do you think the land of Canaan represents? Is it the Kingdom of Heaven?
I believe many people have read Exodus, where Moses led the Israelites and did not enter the land of Canaan. Does this symbolize not entering the Kingdom of Heaven? No, some have asked me whether the Israelites who died in the wilderness were saved.
This is a good question. The Bible tells us that salvation is not related to works but is through faith. When were the Israelites saved? It was before they left Egypt; they did not rely on their works but believed in God's word. On the night of leaving Egypt, many Israelites smeared the blood of the lamb on their doorposts and lintels, and because of the lamb's blood, they were already saved.
After we are saved, we are on the journey back to our heavenly home, sometimes referred to as the heavenly journey. The Israelites in the wilderness had nothing else to rely on; without relying on God, they could not survive. Similarly, a person who believes in Jesus, if they do not rely on God, will still find life very difficult. Trusting God and looking to Him for provision and help in all aspects of life has a significant impact on our lives.
Moses was a saved person; although he did not enter the land of Canaan, Canaan does not refer to the Kingdom of Heaven but to the land of abundant promises.
In John 10:10, Jesus tells us: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Jesus came for two things: the first is to give life to all who believe in Him. The second is to let them have abundant life.
How is a more abundant life obtained? This is where Christians differ from one another. A person who believes in Jesus Christ has already received the life of Christ; all richness is already within them, but it may not be manifested. When does the abundance of Christ manifest? It is when you rely on God that the abundant life will flow out from within you.
When your family is poor, you declare every day: because Jesus Christ became poor, everything I and my family do will turn to abundance. When you believe this and continue to declare it, God will accomplish an abundant life through the words you believe.
Some Christians have believed for many years, yet their lives have not changed. From their families and various circumstances, one cannot see abundant blessings in them. We can say they are saved, but they are not victorious believers. Those who are saved by faith can live victorious lives by relying on God's word. This is the blessing God has given us.
We share the first point: Jesus Christ was struck by God for us.
The Bible mentions Moses striking the rock twice. The first time was in Exodus 17 when the Israelites lacked water, and they complained to Moses. Let's look at the situation at that time.
Exodus 17:1-3:
All the congregation of the children of Israel set out on their journey from the wilderness of Sin, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore, the people contended with Moses, and said, “Give us water that we may drink!” So Moses said to them, “Why do you contend with me? Why do you tempt the Lord?” And the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses, and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?”
When faced with problems, the people did not pray to God but complained against Moses. God did not become angry and bring disaster. God said to Moses, “Take the rod in your hand, and go before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.”
Moses took the rod and struck the rock, and water flowed out. The rock refers to Jesus Christ! When Jesus Christ was struck, living water flowed out from Him. Those who drink receive life.
Although the people were very unreasonable at that time, almost killing Moses, God still provided them with water. Even when people are in sin, when they slander God, when they condemn God's servants, and when they mock Christians, God still gives Jesus Christ for them. Why was Jesus Christ struck by God?
Isaiah 53:6: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
When we were still sinners, God sent His only begotten Son, laying all our sins upon His only Son, Jesus Christ. From that moment on, anyone who believes in the work of Jesus Christ will no longer remember their sins. All our sins were laid upon His Son, so He struck His Son, and the precious blood that flowed from His Son, the blood and water that flowed out, allows us to receive provision. This is why we are a blessed people.
We cannot please God by our own efforts but by what Jesus Christ has accomplished for us. First, God's Son completely resolved our sin problem, giving us the opportunity to receive God's grace. We call this God's grace; God did not remember the complaints of the Israelites but gave them what they desired.
Why was it necessary to strike the rock the first time? The first time, it was indeed necessary to strike it to get water. What error did Moses commit forty years later? When God said to him: You take the rod and gather the congregation, and in My sight, command the rock to yield water. This is a very crucial word. Forty years ago, the rock needed to be struck to yield water; forty years later, Moses only needed to take the rod, stand before the rock, and say, “Water, come out.” The rock would gush forth water enough for the people and livestock to drink.
This is the crucial point. Why did Moses do something foolish? How did he do it? At that time, Moses took the rod and struck the rock twice. Brothers and sisters, forty years ago and forty years later are not the same; Jesus Christ has already been struck, so He does not need to be struck again.
If we do not understand this truth, our prayers will lack power. If you do not understand this truth, you will not understand why Moses did not enter the promised land; the rock cannot be struck again. The glorious Christ, who is worthy to be struck? Even if you hold the rod of God, you cannot strike the resurrected Christ. What happens in our church? It is that those who have already believed in Jesus Christ do not believe that all sins have been forgiven.
Some brothers and sisters often pray: Lord, please forgive me all my sins; may the precious blood of Jesus Christ flow out and cover my sins. Do you know that when you pray like this, you are crucifying the Son of God again every day, just like what Moses did? Therefore, those who pray like this cannot enter the land of abundance. Although their prayers may be answered, just like Moses, even though Moses made a mistake and struck the rock twice, there was still much water that flowed out.
Those who pray for forgiveness may occasionally receive God's mercy and healing, but it does not mean that God is willing to hear their prayers like this, because God does not want you to pray, “Lord, may the precious blood of Jesus Christ flow out again to forgive my sins.” Such prayers are not correct. The situation was completely different forty years ago and forty years later; today, the Lord has been fully glorified. You only need to declare in the name of the Lord Jesus, and God will accomplish it for you.
Moses said to the people, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Was the water coming out of the rock because of Moses? No, we know that all healing is not because of our good behavior, not because we are missionaries or pastors, not because we have believed for many years that we can receive God's grace; it has nothing to do with us. It is because Jesus Christ has already shed His precious blood on the cross for you. His body shed blood and water, and today, whatever you pray to God, He is willing to listen to your prayers and answer them. This is our first point: Jesus Christ has been struck by God for us. Do not strike Jesus again.
Yesterday, an aunt told me that her service was becoming increasingly difficult. I said if such a situation arises, you can pray and seek God's will. That elderly sister said that every time she prayed, sometimes for something very small, like asking for peace for her family, it was actually a very simple prayer. Do you know how long that sister had to pray? She said she had to first confess for an hour, confessing all the sins she could think of, asking for the cleansing of the blood on the cross before she could ask for what she wanted. So tiring!
Moses actually did not need to strike the rock; that was his own action, unnecessary. This is the reason for Moses' failure. He did not know that the rock had already been struck forty years ago, and now he only needed to command.
The precious blood of Jesus has forgiven your sins and cleansed your sins because your sins have been completely forgiven and cleansed. Now you have been declared righteous by God; this was completed two thousand years ago, so you do not need to ask like this anymore. Do not self-condemn; it has no meaning for you. It will not bring you joy or healing; the law has no healing effect at all. Brothers and sisters, remember these words!
Share the second point: Declare that your life has entered into abundance.
What we need to do is listen to God's word. The Bible has many words; the Old Testament has words, and the New Testament has words. So which one should you listen to? In the Old Testament, David often prayed, “Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” You should not pray like this; at that time, because Jesus Christ had not yet accomplished it, David prayed like that. You do not need to pray like that now; you only need to declare: your life has already entered into abundance!
The life of Jesus Christ, when you believe in Him, has already entered into you. You need to declare that the power of that abundant life flows out from within you. It does not depend on how much ability you have; as long as you can speak, it is enough. Just like Moses now, God told him: You go, and in front of the congregation, command the rock to yield water. How simple is that? Just speak to the rock: “Rock, bring forth water, supply me and my people to drink.” This will be accomplished.
God blesses you not based on how much you have done for Him. Even if you do a lot, you cannot exchange your actions for God's blessings. God is willing to bless you because you are His child. He delights in you. Just like your child, as long as they are born, they are your child. Regardless of whether they do anything beneficial to you, you still love them. Brothers and sisters, we know that Moses represents the law. John 1:17 says: The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
We must remember this: If you are under the law, you will often be concerned about your actions, whether they are good or bad. When your actions are not good, you will doubt God's love and worry that God does not hear your prayers! If you still serve God using the methods of the Old Testament, it will become increasingly burdensome and difficult. But truly serving God is a joyful thing.
Moses represents the law. He did not believe that simply commanding the rock would yield water. In his eyes, this group of people was rebellious, but in God's eyes, this group of people was promised to enter the promised land. Moses, why do you say that this group of people is rebellious? Moreover, Moses said, “Must I bring water for you out of this rock?”
Under the law, one sees human shortcomings. The law condemns people, while grace supplies people. The law always requires people to obtain God's blessings through good behavior. Moses may have thought that if he did not strike the rock, how could water come out? Many Christians also think that prayer does not work unless there are good actions to be accepted by God. They are just like Moses, unable to enter into abundant blessings. The land of Canaan symbolizes the blessings of abundant life.
If a person carries a legalistic mindset, they cannot enter into abundance. Abundant life is drawn by faith. Here, Moses still used his own ability and actions to strike the rock; this was Moses' fatal error! If the law could lead people into abundant life, there would be no need for Jesus to come. The problem is that we carry a legalistic mindset and cannot enter into that abundant life. How can we enter? We must rely on God's grace and truth!
We need to correct several erroneous viewpoints.
First point: Many people believe that just believing is not enough for salvation; good works must accompany faith.
Many people think that one cannot just believe; good works must accompany faith. Only then can one be saved and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Many people go back and forth between Heaven and Hell daily, as if there is an elevator between Heaven and Hell. With good behavior, they ascend to Heaven; if they sin tomorrow, they descend again, going up and down, unable to be sure of their salvation.
Many confused Christians are like this. When you ask them if they are sure they are saved, they say, “I cannot say; it is up to God to decide. God says I can enter because I am still a sinner.” Do you know how confused this is? This is a very erroneous viewpoint; they do not understand the truth of salvation at all.
Second point: When a person's behavior is not good, God is displeased.
This is a mistake that many people still make, which will prevent you from entering into the blessings of abundant life, just as Moses could not enter the land of Canaan. When people's behavior is not good, for example, a Christian who accidentally hates someone or is weak, fails, or sins, many believe that God is displeased with them. In fact, our identity does not change because of our actions. When our actions are not good, God may grieve, but His love for you does not diminish. He expects you to live out good behavior; in His heart, you are always a son. You are loved by Him.
Third point: When behavior is not good, one cannot be saved.
Some believe that salvation is by faith, but after being saved, one must live out the likeness of Christ. If one cannot do so, they cannot be called saved because of their poor behavior. If one determines whether a person is saved based on their good or bad behavior, then no one can be saved. Because no one can be saved by keeping the law.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Many people say, “Is it really that easy to enter Heaven? If it were that easy, everyone would enter; how could that work?” When we read the Bible, we find that entering Heaven is really easy. As long as you “confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,” you will be saved. But people always complicate things, making it seem difficult.
These erroneous viewpoints will prevent people from entering into abundant life. We need to think about what is stopping you from receiving God's grace, what is preventing you from receiving abundant blessings? God is especially willing to heal you, especially willing for you to be prosperous, especially willing for you to prosper in all things! What is stopping blessings from being fulfilled in believers? It is that people do not trust Him.
In verse 12, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in Me, nor sanctified Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
God said you did not believe in Me. In reality, God is saying: You clearly know what I can do, but why do you still want to do it your way? Many Christians believe that the Lord is good and great, yet when faced with situations, they still use their own methods to solve them.
There was a sister who encountered such a situation. Her child often had fevers. When the fever was not too severe, she relied on God, prayed to God, and God healed her child. One night, around two in the morning, her child had a fever of 41.9 degrees Celsius. Her first thought was to call the taxi driver in her village to come to her house as quickly as possible. Within five minutes, she made more than ten calls. When the driver arrived, he asked if she had called 120 (emergency services). She said she had not. The driver urged her to call quickly. On the way to the hospital, she did not think to pray to God. It was only when she got to the hospital that she remembered to call me and ask for prayer for her child. I said I would pray for her. Later, the child recovered and was discharged from the hospital. I asked her, when the child was having a seizure from the fever, did you think of praying? She said she forgot.
Many times, we think we are relying on God, but in urgent situations, what you think of first is what you rely on. When people are at peace, they can say, “Thank the Lord, praise the Lord, Hallelujah.” The question is, when you encounter a very tricky and troublesome situation, who do you think of first? This is important. If at that moment you think of the Lord Jesus, then you can rely on God and see God's power manifested.
We have similar testimonies in our church. There are many construction sites near the church. A sister was watching the gate at a construction site. One day, the wind was very strong, and others were smoking inside the house. She was disgusted and went outside. A gust of wind knocked her down, causing a stroke, and she was foaming at the mouth, close to death. Another sister from our church happened to be there. While taking the sister to the hospital, she declared in the name of Jesus Christ, “Your illness is recovering! In the name of Jesus Christ, regardless of how bad the situation is, God will heal you; you will get better.” She kept declaring this in the car. At that time, the doctors looked at her as if she were an alien, thinking, “How can you shout like that when the patient is like this?”
This sister shouted with all her might, not caring how others looked at her, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I heal you! You are my best sister; Jesus will definitely heal you.” By the time they reached the hospital, the sister was already able to stand and walk.
This illness can cause death or paralysis within minutes. During this sister's continuous declarations, declaring that God had already healed her, it was the same as what Moses said: God said you just command the rock to yield water. When this sister shouted at the patient with all her might, God heard her prayer and allowed the person to recover.
When they got out of the car, the sister got up from the stretcher, and the doctors were astonished. Recently, a saying has become popular: “Everyone is stunned.” Now this sister is attending our church, and no one can tell she was once a stroke patient. After this incident, this sister understood what the blessing of abundant life is.
If there were no such incidents, everything would be fine, and we would not see where God's grace is manifested or how God's healing is displayed. Although she was on the way to the hospital, she believed that God would heal this sister. You need to enter into this abundant life not by your actions but by the declarations you make. What you declare with your mouth is very important. If you believe that God will accomplish it for you, you have already entered into that abundant life.
The law cannot allow people to enjoy that abundant life. Moses should not have struck the rock because he represents the law. We should not pull ourselves back under the law, as it will prevent you from entering into abundant life. Matthew 9:17, Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break; the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.
Those who are already in grace, if they still rely on the law for justification, are separated from Christ and have fallen from grace. Not only do they not receive grace, but they also cannot keep the law; they miss both. No one puts new wine into old wineskins; the wine spills out, and the wineskins are ruined. Brothers and sisters, those who are saved do not please God by their actions; they simply receive God's grace and can do what pleases God. You are a new creation; you have new life. This life is not yours but belongs to Jesus Christ. When you live with this new life, you can overcome many problems.
We see some testimonies. When people say quitting smoking is difficult, how did some brothers overcome it? Others say they have to force themselves not to smoke, that smoking is bad for them. They understand these principles, but they cannot do it. We only need to declare every day: In Jesus Christ, I am a new creation, I am pleasing to God, I am loved by God, and my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
When you declare this, the smoking habit will be broken. Even more, some pray, “Lord, do not let me smell smoke anymore. If I do, in the name of Jesus Christ, let me feel nauseous.” God accomplished this for him; when he smelled smoke, he felt nauseous. He no longer wanted to touch cigarettes. To overcome many bad habits and weaknesses in life, the method is simple: continuously declare the victory of Jesus Christ and declare that you have entered into abundant life.
As long as we live by the grace of Jesus Christ, both will be preserved. What we need to do is rest in the work that Jesus Christ has already accomplished for us. What has Jesus Christ done for us? When you have a disease, believe that by the stripes of Jesus, you have already been healed; you only need to declare it. Do not strike Jesus again. Do not say, “Jesus Christ, may Your precious blood flow out again to cleanse my sins.” This is incorrect. When our hearts are troubled, when we are anxious, meditate: By His stripes, we have peace.
Do not seek God's peace. When newly saved brothers and sisters are asked if they have anything to pray for, they say, “Just ask God to give me peace!” Peace and joy are not sought after. When a person meditates on Jesus Christ, peace and joy flow out from within. Within you is the source of abundant life; as long as you open the lid, it will flow out. If you block your mouth, it cannot come out. Do not use the law to block the source of grace and truth; otherwise, the power of abundant life will be blocked. What you need to do is praise and meditate, allowing God's grace to flow.
The Israelites in the wilderness did not learn anything else; they only complained, and for forty years, it was the same. Such Christians are very pitiful. God was with them every day, yet they did not know how to draw on God's abundant life blessings.
Brothers and sisters, do not let your self-efforts block the flow of grace. Living by faith in God will fill your life with abundant blessings. We are under grace. When the veil is removed, you receive rest, resting in what He has accomplished for you. You need to enjoy the blessings of God's abundant life through declarations and gratitude. Some may ask, “How can my life change?” Start by changing your heart. Let God's word fill your heart, and your actions will naturally change, allowing you to live a life that glorifies Christ.
When a person is completely filled with Jesus Christ, they no longer focus on themselves but look at Jesus Christ, completely breaking free from the bondage of the law. You are already under the New Covenant; you are already in His abundant life. Just like the Israelites, after crossing the Jordan River from Kadesh, they could never return. Without God's promise, even if the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant, the waters of the Jordan could no longer part.
Therefore, once you enter into God's abundant life blessings, be sure to tell yourself that you are willing to enjoy these abundant life blessings. I believe that those who have tasted the goodness of the Lord will be willing to soak in God's grace. Thus, trusting God is the ability to obtain the source of abundant life, opening the lid and letting God's power fill you.
Hebrews 4:1-2:
Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
God has given us a promise to enter into rest. What we should fear is falling away from God's rest. If the word received is not mixed with faith, one will fall short in life and not see abundant blessings. Therefore, we should meditate on the word received, making it our strength, and then try to live it out. When you understand this truth, you will no longer fear any difficulties in your life. You can command these difficulties to become your blessings, believing that all things work together for good to those who love God.
Let us pray together:
Loving Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for Your grace. You are the mighty Lord. When I rely on You, I can have abundant life. You are willing to bless me. You are the source of my life. Please guide me in my life in the new week. Let me harmonize this word into my life and experience Your presence and power in my life. I believe the Holy Spirit will guide me every day. I expect good things to happen to me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!