I'm in the middle of Numbers. God has rescued his people from Egypt. He has them traveling through the wilderness for 40 years - headed to the promised land. In Numbers 16 and again today in Numbers 20, I see the power and jealousy (demanding loyal devotion of his people) of God.
In Numbers 16, 14,700 people of Israel grumbled;so God killed them. Seems harsh on the surface; that it seems harsh to me only means I don't understand God well enough. It occurs to me, in a sobering kind of way, that this God hasn't changed. He's still a powerful, jealous God, expecting, make that demanding, loyal devotion. That he allows me even a single breath is a testimony to his patience, and makes his grace taste that much sweeter.
