WHEN DOORS CLOSE
AUGUST 6, 2026
TEXT: “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12)
There is no pain more excruciating than that of the “almost there” syndrome; that is, to be on the edge, yet fail to make it. This is, however, a reality that many are battling with.
A full reading of the chapter where our given text is found reveals the character of Moses and his experiences while trying to get water for the Israelites. It should be added that this was not the first time the people murmured against Moses and Aaron for food, water, protection, etc. This time around, however, Moses was already deeply frustrated and stressed. God instructed him to go before the rock and speak to it so that it would give forth its water. Unfortunately, Moses, who was perhaps overwhelmed with anger and frustration because of the people’s murmuring, struck the rock instead. Yes, water was given despite Moses’ disobedience to God’s instruction. However, a door was closed. All of a sudden, Moses, who had spent his life serving God and His people as a leader, father figure, deliverer, prophet, intercessor, etc., was rejected when it mattered most. Even Aaron, the priest, was not spared. In fact, his own punishment was immediate, as he was ordered to be taken to Mount Hor, stripped of his priestly garments, and allowed to die there on the mountain.
The case of Moses here opens our eyes to the fact that God is not only concerned about what we achieve but also about how we represent Him in the process of achieving it. Moses actually misrepresented God before the people. His action portrayed God as an angry Provider instead of a gracious Provider. Spiritual leaders are, technically, mirrors through whom the different attributes of God are revealed. When spiritual leaders do not act well and appropriately, people tend to misunderstand God. As a leader, before seeking results, make sure you are representing God correctly.
NOTABLES
- Emotional leadership can close spiritual doors. Moses allowed himself to be controlled by his emotions, and he reacted emotionally. As a leader, you need to always be in control of your emotions. (Numbers 20:10; Ephesians 4:26)
- The higher the position, the higher the expectation in the Kingdom. God expects greater precision and stability from leaders. (James 3:1; Luke 12:48)
- Closed doors can come as a form of spiritual chastisement and not as outright rejection by God. Moses was barred from entering the Promised Land, but he was not barred from heaven. He still enjoyed the privilege of being buried by God Himself. (Deuteronomy 34:5–7) Thus, God can close a door on earth as a form of chastisement, but that does not automatically close the door of eternity.
- God’s work is bigger than any one person. God chose Joshua to replace Moses, and the work continued. God’s purpose still goes on, regardless of any replacement. (Numbers 27:18–20) In essence, a closed door does not necessarily change God’s agenda or purpose.
- Mercy amidst judgment. Even though Moses and Aaron displeased God, He still gave the Israelites water. (Lamentations 3:22–23)
SEARCHLIGHT: In all that you do, always ask yourself these important questions: Am I representing God well? Will those around me misunderstand the nature of the God I profess so much?
PRAYER: O LORD, last-minute failure and disappointment shall not be my portion, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 88–90, Matthew 3
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
