A Pat on the Head (Numbers 14)

 The Israelites

 "mourned bitterly" 

and so did Judas Iscariot (see Numbers 14:39 and Matthew 27:3 & 10).

Do you?

When we've been rebellious or have betrayed someone or have committed some other acts against the Lord or even against others, are we repentant or are we remorseful?

Repentance is sincere and shows freedom from regret.  One transforms to a postitive change in behavior that is healthy and helpful to ones self and others.  One's heart becomes obedient to the Lord and ready to listen to Him.

Remorse, on the other hand, is full of regret.  Your actions didn't turn out the way you thought they would and someone was harmed.  Or, you were caught doing something and must suffer consequences and therefore there's a show of surface sorriness.  There is no real change in behavior and one is not obedient nor ready to listen to the Lord's instruction.  This is often when self-punishmenst and penance raises its stubborn head.

For Judas Iscariot, he went and hanged himself.  He did not seek the Lord's forgiveness in repentance.  By contrast Peter wept bitterly after he denied he knew Jesus but later he was restored and worked mightily for the Lord in preaching the Gospel.  Many came to Christ though him.  Peter had had a pivotal encounter with Jesus because he had been truly sorry and repentant (see John 21:15-17).

The Israelites in Numbers 14 were remorseful for their grumbling and ungratefulness which had cost the lives of many.  Their next actions showed this to be so.  They willfully went to do battle despite Moses' warnings that the Lord would not be with them.  Their self-inflicted penance-punishment cost them more lives and humiliation before the surrounding nations and people groups.

The term used in Numbers 14:44 is presumption.  They presumed, since they were doing penance, God would pat them on the head and say, 

"There, there, what good little children".  

They had to learn yet another painful lesson.

Brothers and sisters-in-Christ, let's take warning from these incidents.  Let's not confuse ourselves nor be presumptious before God.  He knows what is truly in our hearts.  If we are not sure ourselves, seek Him and His answers.  Listen obediently, humbly and willingly to what He has to say.  Then go forth as Peter did and do many mighty works for the Lord in the name of Jesus and with our Heavenly Father's blessing.  This is what He'll pat us on the head for.  

Let us have no regrets.

                                                     ~ ERC  April 2024 ~

Based on Numbers 14:39-45 NIV.

Sing, Repent (What a Joy It Is), along with Mitch Wong.

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