Numbers 14:27

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me?" Numbers 14:27 .

This is really a parental inquiry. The proof of this is in the very agony of the terms. A tyrant could have crushed the difficulty, a mere ruler might have been haughtily indifferent to it, but where tyrants and rulers are exhausted fatherhood begins to put its most anxious inquiries. God has never been readily received into the human heart. His rejection has in some cases been grounded upon the mystery of his nature; in others, on the difficulties of his providence; and in others upon the love of self-indulgence which characterises all human affections. The terms of the inquiry assume that the forbearance has been long continued. God does not ask such a question at an early period of his attempts to subdue the heart and will of man. The inquiry, which is here put as to a congregation, is addressed to every human creature in his individuality. Every man has justified the inquiry. No man can satisfactorily answer the inquiry. Every man is witness in his own case that the forbearance of God has been continuous and tender. It is evident that forbearance has only been equal to the occasion created by human rebellion. This circumstance having been amply proved, we come upon the discovery that forbearance has been completed by redemption. The cross is not only an expression of forbearing love, it is the mystery of pardon wrought by righteousness. If the cross should fail, God has no other resources so far as revelation can guide us. Our forbearance expresses our love. Where there is little love there will belittle forbearance. Where there is much love the anxious inquiry will often arise, How can I give thee up? This is the inquiry which is culminated in the cross of Christ.