Numbers 14:5-7, 9, 10 (ESV)

Originally published 08/20/2015

Moses and Aaron risked their lives to challenge Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt. They put up with complaints and ridicule from the people and now the people refuse to enter the land God had promised them. They wanted to find a new leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt. "Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, 'The land, which we passed through to spy it out is an exceedingly good land.... Only do not rebel against the LORD...' Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel" Numbers 14:5-7,9,10 (ESV). Sacrificial, self-denying service to people in obedience to God does not mean people will appreciate it or love you for it. In fact, sometimes they will turn against you and even hurt you as with Moses and Jesus. But God took care of Moses and Jesus. Lord, this is why you tell us that the only way to find peace is by seeking your approval above everything else in this world.

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