The children of Israel were very unhappy about the bad report some of the spies reported back and as usual they complained bitterly, “…they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt. Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces…And all the congregation said to STONE THEM WITH STONES…the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle…” (Num. 14:4-5, 10) The LORD spoke to Moses and said, “How long will these people REJECT ME? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation GREATER AND MIGHTIER THAN THEY.” (Num. 14:11-12)
How would we respond to this proposition from the Lord? YES LORD, GO AHEAD!!! Moses said Lord you are longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, “Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the GREATNESS OF YOUR MERCY, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” (Num. 14:19) The Lord pardoned them but said, “because all these men have seen My glory and have put Me to the test now ten times, and have not obeyed, they certainly shall not see the land nor shall any of those who rejected.” (Num. 14:22-23)
Lets learn this lesson from Moses, no matter how badly people treat us, we will love them and pray for them to be saved. “Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, these people have committed a great sin, will You forgive their sin—IF NOT, I PRAY, BLOT ME OUT OF YOUR BOOK WHICH YOU HAVE WRITTEN…(Exodus 32:31-32)
-Bill Stockham