17,The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt and with an high arm brought he them out.
18, And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19, And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land by lots.
20, And after that he gave unto them about the space of 540 years, until Samuel the prophet.21, And after the desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by space of 40 years.
22, And when he removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.23,Of this man's seed hath God according to his promises, raised Israel a Saviour, Jesus.
As I have said, I have read this passage many, many times. Those of you who frequent our site and include yourself in our bible study, probably know that I'm a great fan of Paul's teaching. He has a way of putting it right out!
As I was reading this text, something jumped out. It is not about us, it is all about God! Look closely at what Paul says about that 40-year wilderness experience. He says that God put up with them, {suffered He their manners} That struck me funny. While these people are moaning and groaning, and forgetting God's previous provision, he is putting up with these un-grateful people. While they are worrying about the next day, Ex.16: what shall we eat, what shall we drink, He exercises great patience towards their lack of faith.
When their leader was gone, they forgot their goals and direction, forming a graven image.Ex.32 Can we see that their journey and ours is not about us making it through the many pitfalls? It is all about God in His loving kindness and infinite patience? It is about His will and how He brings it about. Can we see that it is not about us and our talents and our sacrifices? Can we look back and in hindsight see our boastfulness in contrast to God's wisdom and grace?
When we read these passage we see how foolish those wandering Israelites for not trusting their God. It is quite obvious to us when we read the story. We know what their problem was! But how are we any different?
Food for thought!
If we can fall into step with His will, how much more blessed will we be? When we can look up from what we think are burdens, we can see the peace before us!