(TEXT : Numbers 14:19-20)
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:
FOCUS :
The Lord pardoned the iniquity of the children of Israel only so far as stopping the judgement of total destruction. Unfortunately, they really did not ask for forgiveness, and engaged in no true Repentance. However, the prayer of the righteous man (Moses) speaks louder and went straight into the hearing ears of God on behalf of the entire children of Israel. As far as God is concerned, Moses, is the only “righteous man” that God can actually count on for the safety of the Israelites. As God made Moses god unto Pharaoh when they were in the land of Egypt, the same way Moses, is the only “worthy righteous man” standing between God and His people.
Numbers 12:7-8 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
In addition, even God confirmed this about the children of Israel that they are an ingrates people. Numbers 14:11, 26-27 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?
And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
You see, many at times we have the children of Israel of old with their mindset, even in this our present time. Everything they do is to be complaining, doubting God and full of unbeliefs. And if God could say: “how long will this people provoke me”, that shows that God is unpleasant with the children of Israel. But one man that stood by them and become their first “mediator” was Moses, and God honors his prayers.
Finally, Numbers 14:22 Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;
God has been counting all their disobedience, pride, unfaithful, ungrateful, unbelief, doubt and thankful behaviors every day by day: just like you and I have been wronging God even more than ten (10) time. You see, you being religious does not mean you will definitely have relationship with God. Unfortunately, many people come to the house of worship but only few have intimacy and fellowship with God. The children of Israel were delivered by God from the land of Egypt and from the hands of Egyptians; but doubt, unbelief are still qoustioning the presence of God in their minds. Because at some point in their journey to the promise land, they only acknowledge the presence of God only when they see what they can (eat and drink); after that to them, God does not exist. For good ten times the children of Israel tempted God in their journey: first, Red Sea, Ex 14; second, Manna, Ex 15; third, Sin, Ex 16; fourth, Manna, Ex 16:20; fifth, Manna, Ex 16:27; sixth, Rephidim, Ex 17; seventh, Hereb, Ex 32; eighth, Taberah, Num 11; ninth, Kibroth, Num 11; tenth, Kadesh, Num 14. How many time have you been frustrating God, repent and God will have mercy on you.
BE SAFE AND GET SAVED!
God bless you richly!
Jesus Christ loves you
Thank you Holy Spirit
ARE YOU SAVED?
T.O AKINSANYA
PRINCE ORATORTEE