05/23/2008 Grievious Generation

[RandomK]

S. 8 “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 When your fathers tested Me;
They tried Me, though they saw My work.
10 For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts,
And they do not know My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’

O. It seems to me that we (our generation, or our culture at least) is
in the same place as the Israelites were when they wandered in the
wilderness. How long have we wandered about, seeing God's work and
still tempt God? How much longer is God going to stand before he
decides to pour out his wrath and judgment upon us?
Have we gone astray in our hearts? Has God become grieved with us?

A. It is clear that I must not harden my heart to that which God has
called me to do. When He gives me instruction, I must immediately obey
Him, or it is possible that God might become greived with me. How
often has God worked in my life, and I quickly forget His mercy and
His miracles? I must be dillegent to remember God's ways, and when
there is any question, I must look to the Bible so that I can know His
will.

P. God, I do not want to grieve your heart. I don't want to test you
Lord, because I know that you have always held me in your hands. Even
though I may face trials in this life, I must be quick to remember
your ways, your mercy and your work so that I can remember how awesome
is the God that I serve. Please forgive my hardened heart, and let it
melt before you, so that you can mold me into the likeness of your
Son.