Numbers 14:2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness!”
As I was reading Numbers 14 this morning, thinking once again how much I am like the Israelites at times, my sweet Savior whispered to my heart, “You are not the Israelites.” That got my attention, and I thought, “Cool. Now I know what I’ll write about today.” But trying to articulate my thoughts has been incredibly difficult.
Numbers 14:3 “Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?…Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
The Israelites wanted an easy road. Who wouldn’t? But I know we live in a fallen world, and that it isn’t always going to be easy. The Israelites railed against God. But I’ve gone to God before, expressing my anger at life’s unfairness. The biggest difference I can see between us is that the Israelites would have gone back to Egypt, to slavery, if given the chance, and I would NEVER walk away from my Savior. Thank You, Jesus.
Numbers 14:9 “Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reminder that I am NOT like the Israelites in a very crucial way. Thank You that I can be honest with You about my anger and frustration, but that my trust in You is greater than anything else. Thank You for my absolute trust in You and in Your promises such as Hebrews 13:5 (…”Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”) and Romans 8:28 (And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose). Thank You for drawing me closer. Always. Amen.
Numbers 14:12 The LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.