Articles
God sometimes says “NO!”
God does sometimes tell us “No”. He has told people “No” for different reasons
throughout the Bible. Sometimes He has different plans for us. We see this example as we study
Paul’s missionary journeys. Paul made plans but was barred from going on and teaching in Asia
(Acts 16:6). Sometimes we are told no because we are not the right person for the job. David
wanted to build the temple, but God said “No” (2 Samuel 7). Sometimes He says “No” because
He knows what is best for us even if it is painful for us at the time. God even said “No” to Jesus.
In the Garden Jesus prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My
will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Moses is another example of a person who was told “No”. Moses took it upon himself to
change Gods instructions. Through his actions recorded in Numbers 20, Moses sinned against
God, and later (vs. 12) is told that he will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. In
Deuteronomy chapter 34 we read the story of Moses’ death. Moses climbs Mount Nebo across
from Jericho. There God showed him the whole land. God said to Moses “I have let you see it
with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it” (Deut. 34:4). Moses later dies and is buried in
a valley in Moab (Deut. 34:6). Moses was not allowed to cross the Jordon River into the land of
Canaan while he was living.
Even though God does not allow Moses into the Land of Promise while he is alive,
Moses does finally make it there. Mark 9:2-8 tells us the story of what has become known as the
transfiguration of Jesus. In this story we read that Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus high on a
mountain. Moses is finally allowed to “set foot” in the Promised Land. We may not always
understand why God tells us “No”, but we need to understand that He loves us and will take care
of us even when His answer is “No”. ~ B. Tolbert
