God’s GREAT Mercy (#OneMinuteMondays)

I am deeply grateful for a conversation with my friend David Doyle yesterday as we discussed the children of Israel and their march across the Sinai Wilderness. In our Sunday morning passage, we considered 1 Corinthians 10 where the children of Israel are used as an example. The lesson related to God’s GREAT mercy is absolutely incredible. First, though, you need to look at the next few pictures of the wilderness. Then, I will explain the significance of God’s GREAT mercy in it. Please, take one moment to look at these various pictures of Sinai…

…Is this somewhere you would want to wander and live in for 40 years?

 

40 Years in the Desert

The Bible describes Israel’s journey through the desert from Egypt to the Promised Land as a 40-year journey. Of course it is not that far across the Sinai Peninsula. However, Israel were people of very weak faith. In many occasions they sinned against God. They ended up coming under God’s discipline multiple times (cf., 1 Cor 10:5-11).

Forty years!

Yet, God demonstrated GREAT Mercy!

Although they had to live in the desert for 40 years, God demonstrated GREAT mercy. Let me give you specifically six specific examples (cf., 1 Corinthians 10:1-4):

1. They enjoyed God’s presence as miraculously demonstrated through the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire.
2. God shaded them from the heat of the desert by day with a pillar of clouds.
3. He warmed them from the cold of the desert by night with the pillar of fire.
4. God fed them miraculously every day with manna.
5. He provided water for them miraculously every day with water that came out of a rock that followed them.
6. God kept their clothing and shoes from wearing out for forty years (cf., Deuteronomy 8:4; Deuteronomy 29:5).

Incredible mercy. If you need to do so, reread those six miraculous provisions of God’s mercy on the children of Israel.

When did God show this kind of mercy? In the every day path of life initially and in the midst of correction for years

God’s GREAT Mercy in Life and in Correction

The wilderness was part of God’s plan for the children of Israel even before correction. In order to get from Egypt to the Promised Land, Israel had to go across the Sinai Peninsula. In the best case scenario, they still had to cross the desert. Why is this important? Because you can see that the desert was not God’s correction only. Catch this… Israel had to cross the desert on the way to the Promised Land. The desert came before the blessings. This was part of God’s plan from the beginning. Yet, in the midst of it, He demonstrated great mercy.

Israel had to cross the desert on the way to the Promised Land. The desert came before the blessings. Share on X

After they sinned so egregiously, Israel did undergo God’s correction for years. However, even in the midst of correction, God never withdrew His GREAT mercy. God still miraculously provided all six of the evidences of mercy listed above. Every single day. 365 days per year. 40 years total.

Although the children of Israel underwent correction, God’s GREAT mercy was with them all the way.

Get that please. Even in the midst of correction, God never withdrew His GREAT mercy from them.

Three Observations for Your Day and Week

First, God’s plan will include times of desert on the way to the Promised Land for you as well. Heaven and other manifestations of God’s grace are still before us. Yet, you may be in the desert right now. Do not assume that it is simply because of correction!

Second, look for manifestations of God’s GREAT mercy as you travel down the daily road of life. It is there. Notice it. Praise God for it. Be thankful.

Third, even if you are in correction, again, look for God’s GREAT mercy in it. Allow God’s GREAT mercy to draw you to Himself. Walk with Him. Draw near to Him. Let His nearness rejoice your heart even in the midst of the desert.

God is for you. His GREAT mercy demonstrates it.

God is for you. His GREAT mercy demonstrates it. Share on X