On Sunday, 23 February 2025, I joined our church service online and was deeply moved by a powerful sermon from Rev. Gerald Ayebale on the theme “God’s Goodness Through Patience.” The message, centered on Numbers 20:1-13, reminded us of God’s unwavering patience and provision, even in the face of human rebellion and failure.
The Israelites, despite their constant complaining and lack of faith, experienced God’s abundant provision in the wilderness. In Numbers 20:2-5, they grumbled against Moses and Aaron, questioning why they had been brought into the desert. Yet, in His mercy, God still provided for them—showing that His goodness is not dependent on our worthiness but on His unchanging character.
When the people cried out for water, God gave Moses a clear instruction: “Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will pour out its water” (Numbers 20:8). However, in a moment of frustration, Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20:11). This act of disobedience misrepresented God’s holiness and power, as the rock was not just an ordinary rock—it symbolized Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Moses’ mistake serves as a powerful lesson for us: we must never take God’s glory for ourselves. God told him, “You did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites” (Numbers 20:12). As a result, Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land—a sobering reminder that obedience to God is not optional, no matter how long we have walked with Him.
This story also highlights the seriousness of representing God’s heart accurately. As believers, we are called to reflect His patience, kindness, and holiness in our actions and words. It is through His kindness that people are drawn to Him, and we must never compete for His glory.
Despite Moses’ failure, we see the abundance of God’s grace. In Matthew 17:1-3, when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, Moses appeared alongside Elijah, talking with Him. This moment confirms that Moses was fully restored in God’s presence—a testament to the fact that God’s grace is greater than our mistakes.
This should encourage us: even when we fail, God does not cast us away. If we repent and turn back to Him, He forgives and restores us—not because we deserve it, but because of His boundless love and mercy.
The service ended with the hymn “Come Home,” a heartfelt reminder that God is always ready to receive us. Just as He patiently guided the Israelites, He continues to call us back to Him, no matter how many times we have fallen.
Watch the service here https://www.youtube.com/live/NdLlSfWm9pU?si=D86IuNZ-p2cfx-4U
This service was also a special send-off for Rev. Gerald Ayebale, who has been transferred to Lweza, and Rev. Ronah, who is heading to South Korea to study and complete her PhD. We celebrated their contributions to our church and prayed for God’s guidance and blessings in their new journeys.
Though I was not physically present in church, this message spoke deeply to my heart. My prayer is that God continues to give me the opportunity to pray with you, study His Word with you, and guide you to Him. May you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior so that one day, we can rejoice together in His eternal presence.
Your loving father,
Tukundane Yonna
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Tukundane Yonna 
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