We learn some great lessons from what took place with the people of Israel and their trek to the promised land. Out of the bunch, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb stood out. They knew the Lord and were willing to go all in to follow Him unto the ends of the earth. They knew that the promised land was very close and that it was just as God said, a land which floweth with milk and honey. However, most of the people trusted in what the people said about the land of Canaan, in that there were giants in the land and that they had no chance against them. Praise God that these men of God stepped up and said, “rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” (Numbers 14:9-11) Many people provoke God to anger in the world we live in today also.
Thankfully, Moses stood up for the people and asked God to forgive them. These verses are so important for us to know also. What is written here is what it means to repent of our sins. We call upon God and confess our sins while asking God to forgive us for our iniquities. Moses said, “and now, I beseech thee, let the power of my lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, the Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now. And the Lord said, I have pardoned according to thy word.” (Numbers 14:17-20) I know that God does answer our prayers. His forgiveness and mercy are for us now as it ever has in times past. Although His wrath is upon the wicked, the moment we repent, we are in right standing with God. No longer are enemies to God, but called His son or daughter. It is because Jesus died for our sins that all this is possible. His blood will cleanse you of all your sins. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will be with me. This life is not easy, especially without Your presence in my life. God, be with me at all times and in all places. Never leave my side. Forgive me of my sins, for I know they are many. There have been times that I have murmured against You and said things I shouldn’t. Please know how sorry I am for the times that I have failed You. Cleanse me through Your blood, Jesus. What You did for me, Lord, can never be replicated again. You are the last sacrifice for sin and I am abundantly grateful for what You have done for mankind. I accept this offering for sin and pray that Your mercy is for me. This blood atonement is what gives me hope for tomorrow. You constantly remind us what it means to follow You and it becomes crystal clear when we don’t. Therefore, it is my desire to seek Your hand daily in my life. Come and fill this place with Your glory. Give me wisdom. Lead me this day and forever. I will follow You. When I eventually pass on from this life and to the next, I pray that many people I’ve spoken to about You, Jesus, will also be there with me. They may die much later on, but it will wonderful to see many more people saved. I love You, Lord. Amen.
