Last month we saw how Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites. This month in Numbers 14v20-39 we see how God wonderfully answers that prayer. Moses pleaded that the Israelites might not be wiped out, and God here answers that prayer. I'm reminded of 1 Peter 3v12 where we are told that God's ears are open to the prayers of the righteous. We have a wonderful God who not only hears our prayers but answers them. God, in His wonderful mercy, reduces the punishment, the sin must still be punished but not as severely as it was going to be.

This was not the first time, the Israelites had complained, indeed verse 22 tells us that it was the tenth time they had tested God. Our God is one who is slow to anger and quick to forgive. However, the Israelites sin must be dealt with. Rather than wiping out the Israelites, they were to suffer 40 years in the wilderness. While they would not enter into the land, their children would. You may remember that when the Israelites complained, they said their children would be killed by the inhabitants of the land, God turns that statement on its head, as it is those same children that were to conquer the land. Caleb and Joshua, the two faithful spies, were to be rewarded for their faithfulness and would to enter into the promised land. God always rewards those who are faithful and trust in Him.

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Long Words Redemption		Thought for the month Supporting others
	The Wilderness Years

All quotes are from the King James version of the Bible unless otherwise specified.