19: The Lord’s Anger and Moses’ Plea (Num 14:11-25)

Understanding the reason of the Lord’s anger and the rationale of Moses’ plea enlightens us about God’s providence.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read Numbers 14:11-25

What is the purpose of the miraculous signs? (11) What is the purpose of Exodus? (12)

 

Why does Moses say God should forgive the Israelites? (13-16, 18-19)

 

Though the Lord forgave them, He didn’t allow most of them to enter Canaan because they (               ) the Lord. But Caleb had a different (            ) and followed the Lord (             ); he will possess the land.

 

Answers and Meditation

To believe, to make a nation

The ultimate goal that God shows His miraculous power is to form faith in our hearts. God expects faith and trust from you when He reveals His power to you.

God brought them out of Egypt to make them a holy nation. We were saved from the world to become God’s children and build up the church, the body of Christ, to reveal Christ to the world.

Not devoting your life to the Lord while experiencing His power and grace might fatigue the Lord.

 

God’s reputation (glory), His mercy (as He had announced)

Indeed, it won’t help for God’s glory if He annihilates the Israelites. Another reason for God’s forgiveness is His mercy. Ex 34:6-7, the Lord announced that He was merciful. Moses quoted this and asked for God’s gracious forgiveness.

 

Despised, spirit, fully

You won't inherit the kingdom if you despise salvation through the cross. If you are ashamed of the Name, you won’t be called by the Name because you don’t like it.

The same situation of Canaanite land, but different interpretations. It was because their hearts were different from Caleb’s heart. Caleb’s heart was full of following the Lord (a literal translation)

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