Day 11 of 90: God's anger

Reading Leviticus and Numbers can be difficult. But it's also very interesting. God was very detailed in the rules that He gave the Israelites. There are even provisions for times when people unintentionally sin or become unclean. He thought of everything.

But the people still disobeyed. Even though they witnessed numerous miracles (the plagues, parting of the Red Sea, the cloud, the pillar of fire, manna, and on and on) they still whined and complained. It was always, "Why did you bring us out in the desert to die? We were fine being slaves in Egypt. At least we had food to eat." Whine, whine, whine. Never satisfied. A lot like people now-a-days. And, well, a lot like me.

So it should come as no surprise (even though it does) that God got angry and punished them.

• Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. Numbers 11:1
• and the anger of the LORD was greatly aroused; Numbers 11:10
• So the anger of the LORD was aroused against them, and He departed. Numbers 12:9

He does get angry. But He is holy, His anger is not wrong. The people deserved His anger and punishment.

Then the LORD said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?  Numbers 14:11
They had no reason to doubt Him and yet they did. They deserved whatever punishment the Lord meted out to them.
Then the LORD said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD— because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not heeded My voice, they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it. Numbers 14:20-23

The same is true of me; I deserve to be punished for my sins. But I am so thankful that God provided for me. By giving me His Son, Jesus, the one who took my punishment for me. I would be nothing without Him. Thank you Lord. And help me to stop complaining, to stop whining, to follow Your commands, to stop testing You. Thank you for sending Your Son to be my savior. Nothing else compares. I am blessed.