Numbers 14 and the Israelites sign their own death warrant. What had they done? They were basically saying it would be better to go back to being sinners since it was easier than the life they were living. As well as an amazing lack of understanding of the freedom they had enjoyed from Egypt (how short their memories are) they are also about to go into a place of blessing. Many of us are not prepared for the testing that produces fruit - our own desert experience if you like. On top of this, it shows a total lack of gratitude to God and an acknowledgement that with His help, it doesn't always have to be hard. "They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice." Is that true for us?
We also see an interesting statement. The OT is quite clear that Israel has a special place before God because of His promise to Abraham but we are reminded here that, "Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees". This does not decrease the significance of Israel but reminds us in terms of sin and sacrifice, no human is better off than another. All require Christ.
Pslam 53: "Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God." Well said. There are quite a few qualified fools out there. Many people with all sorts of human accolades and qualifications and titles but still fools.
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