Have you ever smacked a vending machine when the candy or soda you bought did not fall to the bottom for you to retrieve it? Or hit a tv remote when it did not respond to you increasing the volume? If you have, I bet your physical action worked. But was it the right thing to do?
Moses encounters a similar, though higher stakes, moment in this week’s parashah, Chukat-Balak. God instructs Moses to speak to a rock in order to provide water for the thirsty Israelites. Whether out of frustration or a lack of faith in God, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses strikes it with his staff, twice. Water pours out, the people drink, and Moses is barred from entering the Promised Land.
Moses accomplished his short-term goal of providing water for the Israelites, but he lost sight of the greater picture, his faith in God.
What can/do you do to overcome your frustrations in the present and stay focused on longer term goals?
Rabbi Avi Fine
I’ve read this a few times now. It gives me something to think about in an open-ended way.
Spokane