Lucifer and Moses: The Cost of Glory

The fall of Lucifer and the disobedience of Moses serve as profound illustrations of the critical importance of giving God His rightful glory. Lucifer's downfall was fundamentally rooted in his desire for glory and power. His ambition to exalt himself above God and to be like the Most High led to his expulsion from heaven ([01:38:21]). This prideful rebellion highlights the dangers of seeking glory that belongs solely to God.

In a similar vein, Moses’ actions in Numbers 20:7-12 exemplify the serious consequences of taking glory for oneself. When Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as commanded by God, he failed to sanctify and glorify God in the eyes of the Israelites. The Lord’s rebuke was unequivocal: “Because you did not believe me to hallow or sanctify or glorify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, you did not make me look great in their eyes” ([01:33:43]). By implying that he was the source of the water, Moses engaged in a form of self-exaltation that mirrored Lucifer’s desire for glory, demonstrating the grave implications of such actions.

The narrative of Numbers 20:7-12 reveals that Moses’ anger and frustration led him to act contrary to God’s instructions, which resulted in a failure to honor God’s method and glory. The Lord’s statement, “You did not believe me to hallow me,” indicates that Moses’ disobedience was not merely a matter of failing to follow directions; it was a significant failure to give God the recognition He deserved. The consequence of this act was severe: Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land, underscoring the seriousness of taking God’s glory and the eternal ramifications that can follow.

The comparison between Lucifer’s desire to be like God and Moses’ act of taking glory for himself illustrates a common thread of pride and rebellion against God’s sovereignty. It is noted that “virtually all people seek for power of some kind,” and this desire can lead to the dangerous act of claiming glory that rightfully belongs to God. The message is clear: taking God’s glory is akin to Lucifer’s rebellion, and the repercussions can be dire, as evidenced by Moses’ fate.

The stories of Lucifer and Moses serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing that both acts stem from a desire for glory and recognition that only God deserves. The detailed examination of Moses’ failure to honor God’s method and glory reinforces the importance of giving God all the glory in our lives, highlighting that such recognition is not only a matter of obedience but also a fundamental aspect of faithfulness to God’s sovereignty.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from calvaryokc, one of 685 churches in Del City, OK