Attitude Towards God's Mercy

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Go up to this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the sons of Israel. When you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was; for in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to treat Me as holy before their eyes at the water.' (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)" -Numbers 27.12-14

God tells Moses that his time is short, just as Aaron died outside of the Promised Land, so would Moses. But because of the relationship Moses had with God, he is at least allowed to see the land from the top of a mountain. Aaron never got to see the land, but Moses would be given that privilege before his death. God gives mercy to Moses. He does not revoke the judgment that He passed, but He does allow Moses a glimpse of the land.

Men, where has God given mercy in your life? I almost said where it wasn't deserved, but that's a redundant statement because God's mercy isn't desered. What has been your reaction to mercy? Have you embraced it with gratitude because of what God has given you? Or do you focus on what you are missing out on?

Moses could have refused God's offer. He could have said, "No, if I can't set foot in it, I don't want to see it." I think we often take that approach of all or nothing. We ignore the consequences of our actions and feel that if God won't remove the consequences and give us everything then we don't want anything. But that isn't the attitude he has. He gratefully accepts the gift that God is giving him, and takes in an incredible view.

What is your attitude towards God's mercy? Do you come at it with gratitude or a sense of entitlement? May we always accept God's mercy with the full knowledge that we don't deserve it and that He does not have to extend it. May we be grateful for the mercy God gives.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor