SCRIPTURE
"The Lord replied, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw my glory...not one of them will ever see the land I promised to their forefathers.'" (Numbers 14:20,23)
OBSERVATION
Once again the people were complaining and wanted to go back to Egypt. This time it was after the spies Moses sent out to scope out the promised land came back. They reported that it would be difficult to conquer the land because the people were giants. What do the Israelites do? Grumble and complain. God was about to wipe them out but Moses interceded for them. Here's the interesting thing: God said he would forgive them but they would still not see the land. Whoa, back up the manna truck. God forgave them for their actions but they would still suffer the consequences.
APPLICATION
I'm not so sure I like this. Ok, I definitely don't. I mean I'm all for the forgiveness part and in my mind that means all of the guilt and consequences vanish too. Choices always have costs. Yes, God can forgive but he doesn't magically erase the memory or the results of my poor choices. If the ball goes through the neighbor's window I want his forgiveness but I also want the glass to magically reassemble itself in the window so there is no reminder of my action. But it doesn't (what a pane). But maybe that's the point. If I forget, if there are no consequences, no repercussions on my life personally, what will prevent me from doing it again? What will cause me to stop and think about my next decision? What will remind me of how much my sin costs? God, in his infinite wisdom, knows what's best for me. That includes living with consequences. Instead of them holding me back I can learn from the experience and lean on God's grace and mercy. Consequences smash the idols of perfectionism and performance that makes me think God will love me more.
PRAYER
Lord, I don't always like the consequences. I would have you remove them at all costs. But in the midst of facing results of choices I've made I'm reminded of your forgiveness and mercy.
