In Numbers 21 v 4-9 we have according to Jewish tradition the last and the worst of Israel,s apostasies in the wilderness. It all came about because the people were discouraged, Walter Riggans comments,/They had been rejected by the kings of Edom and Arad, and had lost their High Priest Aaron./ So they spake against God and Moses they had a list of complints ,they let a wrong spirit enter into them. It is W R who describes their condition in two ways , having a short spirit, and a short soul. Having a short spirit, means being impatient, unable to keep one,s temper in check, a loosing of self discipline, it is the opposite of long suffering. Having a short soul means being thoroughly discouraged, feeling so low they forgot all about Gods goodness to them, He had delivered them from cruel bondage, provided for them, and protected them. I am sure we can identify with what happened to Israel, and what they did, and who is to say we may have acted like they did. Let us read and learn, what is the Holy Spirit is saying to you, and me, as we read this, have we let todays difficuties drive us and control us, to the point that we are speaking against God and His leaders, let us draw back from this wrong spirit, and ask God to renew within us a right spirit.
Be still, my heart, these anxious cares
To thee are burdens, thorns and snares,
They cast dishonour on the Lord
And contradict His gracious word.
Though rough and thorny be the road,
It leads thee home apace to God,
Then count thy present trials small,
For Heaven will make amends for all.
[J Newton ]
A prayer [Dear God in the midst of trials grant us grace to glorify Thee, in Jesus name. Amen ]
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