S: Numbers 14:20-22NLT- Then the LORD said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the LORD’s glory, not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice."
O: After Caleb and Joshua gave a good report about the promise land, the other 10 spies of Israel argued against them. As a result the Israelites began to complain against God. The Israelites would rather stone the men with the good report, pick a new leader other than Moses, and go back to Egypt to suffer. In response to their rebellion God planned to destroy the people but Moses, once again, intercedes on their behalf. God in turn, honors Mose's request to pardon them, but tells Moses that none of them will reach the promise land because of their disobedience.
A: This story always reminds me not to take the grace of God for granted. The law of the harvest is, "You reap what you sow." As believers we must always understand, that although Gods grace pardons us from the ultimate consequences of our sins, by giving us eternal life with Christ, we will still have to endure the earthly ramifications of the seeds we've planted, regardless of the pardon. When God saves us, He changes us from the inside out, but once and seed has been planted, there is only a matter of time before we see the results of what's been planted. God saved the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt, giving them a freedom they had never experienced, and in return they complained about being free. As a result of the seeds of complaint they planted, they missed out on the promise land, although God had already forgiven them. As believers we must always be mindful of the things we plant, so that we don't blame God for things that are the results of our own actions. God has forgiven us, but the hardships we may face can be the result of choices we have made in the past. We must let these events serve as a reminder of what we have been delivered from, and what we must choose not to go back to. I am thankful for the freedom I have found in Christ, but I'm willing to live with the results from my past, knowing God has a great future in store, if I remain obedient to Him.
P: God thank You for all You've brought me through. I know I can't take back the things I've done, but I accept whatever comes my way, knowing You have already forgiven me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight, so that I can reap the benefits of obedience to You. Amen.
