On Friday, we considered the unfortunate habit that men have of putting God on trial. We do it without thinking... and it puts us in alignment with an enemy that has been accusing God since the beginning of history. And as horrendous an act as that is, God is long-suffering. Here is His response to the Israelites' accusations that God had freed them from slavery only to let them die in the desert:
And the LORD said to Moses, "Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." Exodus 17:5-6 (NKJV)
The LORD had every right to impose severe chastisement upon the people for their insolence and unfaithfulness. But our Father is patient beyond imagination. And He gently demonstrates... yet again... that He is as faithful as they are unfaithful.
Brothers and sisters, how many times have we come before the LORD with a clenched fist and an angry demand for explanation?
How often do we question His wisdom?
How frequently have we forgotten all that He has done for us?
And through all of that, He responds with loving, gentle teaching and admonition. That is the God that we serve. He chooses to love us and to call us His own. We are wholly undeserving of such a privilege, and we prove it every day. Nevertheless, His love endures. His patience endures.
And His mercy is forever.
Be encouraged,
Jose
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