You answered them, O Lord our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, though You took vengeance on their deeds. Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy. (Psalm 99:8-9)
The Scripture recounts that as Israel journeyed through the wilderness, the people often gave into their carnal inclinations, which resulted in complaining, doubt and even open rebellion. In spite of this, every time Moses and Aaron humbled themselves and interceded on behalf of the people — even when the people were acting rebelliously — God hearkened unto their prayer. Time and again, He forgave the people because of the grace and favor shown to Moses. For instance, when the people sinned with the Golden Calf and God threatened to annihilate the congregation, Moses stood in the gap on their behalf and begged God to forgive them. In response, the Lord said, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight” (Exodus 33:17).
There were other such occasions; when they embraced the evil report of the ten spies and, once again, God was ready to strike them down, intercession moved God to forgive. The Lord speaking to Moses said, “I have pardoned, according to your word” (Numbers 14:19-20). That does not mean, however, that there were no consequences — obviously there were. Thousands died as a result of the Golden Calf debacle; many perished because of the evil report, not to mention that the entire congregation was compelled to wander in the wilderness for forty years. As for the leaders, they were held to a loftier standard than that of the people and suffered the consequences for their own missteps — neither Moses or Aaron were permitted to enter Canaan.
All of this is to say that God is merciful, long suffering, compassionate, forgiving — and holy. It is clear that He responds favorably to humility and selfless acts that considers the welfare of others as demonstrated when Moses stood in the gap on behalf of his errant countrymen. At the same time, He allows the consequences of our actions to touch our lives in order to administer correction and bring maturation to our lives. In so doing, He reaffirms that, above all else, He is holy — a truth that cannot and will not be compromised. So then, it is proper and beneficial for us to always keep this in mind. Yes, we know that He will forgive us of our failures but let’s not forget that He will also allow us to endure the ramifications of our faulty decisions. So, let us to consider this truth before we speak and act — it just might save us a lot of pain.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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