Numbers 15:32-35 (ESV)

Originally published 09.09/2015

"While the people of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation. They put him in custody, because it had not been made clear what should be done to him. And the LORD said to Moses, 'The man shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp'" Numbers 15:32-35 (ESV).  Sometimes there are stories in the Bible that seem cruel and wrong to me. But I know God to be loving, and just, so I give him the benefit of the doubt and think there is a good reason behind the story. Like if someone told me that my wife pushed a child and he fell down and was hurt. I know my wife would not do that unless there was a reason. When I ask her what happened she tells me she pushed the child to keep him from being hit by a car and saved his life. I don't know why God did this, but I am sure that it had to be done because God is just and not cruel, mean, or vicious. I give him the benefit of the doubt. Lord, help me to trust you even when I don't understand everything that you do. I recognize that my understanding is childish compared to your knowledge, experience, and wisdom.