Today’s Reading : Numbers 14
And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” - Numbers 14:6-10
Have you ever had an idea or a promise that you have held on for so long, only to see that it has been broken. Not by the giver, but the receiver.
Here is the most powerful illustration of Numbers Chapter 14. Imagine a couple has been together for several years. They have grown together and they have experienced life together. They plan on getting married. They go and look at rings. Then they have a long pre-engagement. Then the groom proposes. But the bride does not accept the proposal. Both are broken, both are dismayed.
This is the illustration that has happened in Numbers with God in the Israelites. God has selected the chiefs of the tribe of Israel to go and view the promised land. This was to gain insight and to show them the goodness that is set up for them. The chiefs return back gives a negative report. Joshua and Caleb tried to persuade the people to come into the land that was promised. But the people revolt and they turn away.
One of the most touching aspects of this recount is God‘s emotions.
God is sad and hurt.
God wants to stop this hurt and pain by ending the people, but one of God’s best friends is Moses and Moses talks him out of the annihilation. Moses pleads to God and intercedes on behalf of the people. Because of Moses connection with God and his love for the people, God grants mercy.
This is not just any mercy, but a beautiful representation of the love of Moses and the love of God for the people.
The people rejected God to the fullness of their abilities for everything that he’s done for them. These individuals saw the promise and the miracles and still rejected God and wanted to return to their previous life.
Sometimes we have seen our promise and we are afraid of accepting it. Sometimes the things of the past are so comfortable that we cannot see passed the miraculous things in our everyday life that God has ready to give to us.
This is a true testament of God‘s strength and MERCY to us. At any given time, God could stop everything. He has the power to cease everything in an instant. But because of his love and MERCY, he gives us another opportunity. He gives us another opportunity every day. He gives us mercy every day. When we truly understand his mercy and his love, then how can we not give that same mercy and love to others.
There are so many times that we want to return to our previous lives.
Our previous experiences.
Our previous bondage.
But God has given us the ability to see the promises that he has stored for us. He also has given us the ability through Christ to receive his mercy. Without Christ, we will not be able to receive his mercy.
As we go through this week, let us see if we can receive and give the mercies that God has given to us.
Be Blessed
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