May 24, 2021 | Numbers 14

Read Numbers 14

Scripture- Numbers 14:17-19- “Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”

Observation- The people had once again disobeyed God and tested him. They refused to trust him no matter how many times the Lord proved himself. The Lord was going to display his power and strength by destroying the people. Moses appealed to God to let his strength be displayed in forgiving the people, and the Lord did. 

Application- I tend to think strength is leading with power and force. Yet, that’s not the greatest strength that God displayed. The greatest act of strength was forgiveness that he won for me at the cross and the empty tomb. Because of that strength, I stand forgiven. Forgiving someone takes a lot of strength. It is a strength that I don’t have on my own. Rather, I need God to strengthen me to forgive others. Strength is not seen in force but forgiveness. That is the kind of strength I want to have today. 

Prayer- Father, thank you for your great strength in forgiving me my sins. Send your Holy Spirit into my heart today to give me strength to forgive those who sin against me. Let me forgive just like I have been forgiven. Amen.