Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

been refused.
Throughout their journeys as they had complained of the
difficulties along the way, Moses had told them, "Your murmurings
are against God. It is not I, but God, who has worked to deliver
you." But his hasty words, "Shall we bring water?" were virtually
admitting their charge was right. His mistake would then confirm
them in their unbelief and justify their complaints. The Lord would
remove this impression from their minds forever by forbidding
Moses to enter the Promised Land. Here was unmistakable evidence
that their leader was not Moses but the mighty Angel of whom the
Lord had said, "Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in
the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
Beware of Him and obey His voice; ... for My name is in Him"
Exodus 23:20, 21.
Why the Sin of Moses and Aaron Must Be Punished
"The Lord was angry with me on your account," said Moses.
The whole congregation knew about the transgression. If God had
passed it by lightly, the people would have thought that a leader's
impatience under great pressure might be excused. But when Moses
and Aaron were not to enter Canaan because of that one sin, the
people knew that God does not play favorites.
People of all future time must see the God of heaven as
impartial, one who never justifies sin. God's goodness and love
prompt Him to deal with sin as an evil that is fatal to the peace and
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