Shalom, Mitspacha!
“Because you did not believe Me, to set Me apart in the eyes of the children of Yisrael...”
- Bemidbar 20:12
As we move through Yom Chamishi, YHVH brings us to a sobering moment in the desert - the day Moshe struck the rock instead of speaking to it. The wilderness pressed him. The people’s continual complaints drained him. The stress of leadership weighed heavily. And in one moment of weariness, he reacted from emotion instead of obedience.
This desert moment is not recorded to condemn Moshe, but to refine us. It shows that pressure exposes the heart. It tests whether we obey even when frustrated, or whether we slip into reaction instead of revelation. The dryness around us can either draw us into YHVH or push us into our own strength.
The desert reminds us that provision comes from YHVH, not from shortcuts. If He commands us to speak to the rock, we do not need to strike anything to bring forth what we need. This becomes especially important when we consider honesty in transactions, because compromise often appears most tempting when pressure rises.
We do not shade truth in transactions, because pressure cannot excuse compromise.
We do not manipulate outcomes, because water comes from YHVH alone.
We do not exaggerate claims or hide flaws, because desert refining demands purity.
We do not take advantage of anyone’s weakness or urgency, because righteousness is not reaction - it is obedience.
We do not justify dishonesty because times are hard. The desert is where integrity must shine the brightest.
We speak truth clearly, because YHVH commands us to speak to the rock - to trust Him for the outcome, not force it.
The desert reveals what the heart truly trusts. Ask yourself today: Am I choosing obedience even when pressure rises?
YHVH our Elohim, refine our hearts in this desert place and teach us to obey even under pressure. Strengthen our resolve to walk in truth, to act with righteousness, and to trust Your provision in every moment.
The new moon is expected to be widely visible tonight in many regions, including South Africa. Follow global reports and confirmations at renewedmoon.com.
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.