Just because

When our son was younger, he often had a tendency to push the limits.  As parents you know they can push and push and push until one day you just say enough! 

I recall one specific incident in which he clearly did not comply with what his father and I requested.  I explained to him that because of that, he would not be able to drive his truck for  a week.  You would think I had shut down his life. 
Can you imagine being driven to school by your mother in a 2001 Explorer when you have a cool truck to drive and everyone knows it?  How do you explain?  What do you say when someone asks "Where's your truck? Why can't you drive it?" Just because.

There is always something to "just because." In fact, if we drop the "just" then we can proceed with the real reason.  In Genesis, when Cain took the life of his brother Abel, he didn't do it "just because" there was a reason.  He did it because his brother's offering was recieved favorably by God and his was not. [Genesis 4] 

Aaron was a priest of the Israelites yet he was not perfect.  He led with Moses and did most of what God asked.  Unfortunately, he was not allowed to enter the land God gave the people.  Why?  I can assure you "just because" does not satisfy.  We can learn so much from the Old Testament that applies even today.

He was not allowed to enter because of his disobedience.  His son was the one that took the lead when Aaron died.  God is not a God that randomly doles out punishment or discipline.  He is a God that commands obedience.  We often have difficulty in some areas and fail to obey.  I personally have to look at myself and look at my life and examine my motives, my walk and my obedience to God.  I do not want to be asked "why did you fail to obey me?" and respond with "just because." 

While it is true that Aaron was not allowed to see the land prepared for the Israelites due to his disobedience, today we have redemption for our past mistakes and disobedience because of Jesus Christ. 

He did not die "just because" he died on the cross because He loved each one of us so much that He wanted us to have the opportunity at eternal life.  So when someone asks "How do you know you are saved?"  We can say more than "just because."  We can say it is because of His grace and mercy!



The whole Israelite community set out from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.  At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Aaron will be gathered to his people.    He will not enter the land I give the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah.  Get Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up to Mount Hor.  Remove Aaron's garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people and he will die there. Numbers 20:22-26

He saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  Titus 3:5