No Favorites With God

• Do you know any teacher’s pets or people who get treated better than everyone else?

• What happens in a group where some are treated better than others?

Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Colossians 3:25

Moses was the man God called to lead the Israelites out of slavery. He stood in front of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and told him to let the Israelites go. He raised his arms in front of the Red Sea while God parted the waters. He met with God one-on-one on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. He led the Israelites across the wilderness for 40 years. He brought them to the edge of the promised land. Moses was one of the greatest leaders — and one of the most faithful men of God—who ever lived.

One day, however, while the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, complaining that they were about to die of thirst, God instructed Moses to speak to a rock so that it would produce water. In frustration, Moses struck the rock with his staff instead.

God responded immediately. For his disobedience, for hitting the rock instead of speaking to it, Moses was forbidden to enter the promised land, something he’d dreamed about for 40 years. That’s a harsh consequence.

If God didn’t play favorites with Moses, he won’t play favorites with anyone. God doesn’t discriminate when he punishes sin. He holds everyone equally accountable.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for correcting us when we do something wrong and for not showing favoritism when you do it. Help us follow your example and treat everyone with equal kindness and love. Amen.