The Israelites didn't want to enter
the Promised Land, because they were scared of the giants that they
have to face in the land. So instead of believing in the awesome
power and might of God, they chose to listen to ten fragile men
giving a bad report. God punished them for this and justifiably
so.
It was only once God had punished
them, that they realized their stupid mistake. Now all of a sudden
the prospect of facing the 'giants' didn't look as bad.
'So they got up early the next
morning and set out for the hill country of Canaan. "Let's go,"
they said. "We realized that we have sinned, but now we are ready
to enter the land the Lord has promised us." Numbers 14:40
Without consulting the Lord or
consulting Moses, they decided that their remorse was good enough
and that they will now be able to go and possess the land promised
to them.
Moses couldn't believe his eyes.
Here they were, once again going in the direct opposite direction
that God commanded them to go. He tried to warn them:
"Why are you now disobeying the
Lord's orders to return to the wilderness? It won't work. Do not go
into the land now. You will only be crushed by your enemies because
the Lord is not with you." Numbers 14:41, 42
And did they listen to their
leader? No. They simply pushed forward and lo and behold, they were
solidly defeated. They were forced to return to the wilderness,
whether they wanted to or not. They quickly learned that without
the Lord they are nothing.
I have certainly regretted a lot of
things that I have done in my life. I sometimes shake my head as I
think how stupid I have been. And the manner in which I tried to
correct what I had done has also been more foolish than helpful.
The best thing is to rather think carefully before we act and to
ask advice from loved ones wiser than we are. They sometimes have a
better perspective than we have concerning a certain issue. Think
carefully when they warn you about something; pray about it and ask
God's guidance and act only when you are certain that it is the
right thing to do.
Remorse is always too late, but
when you have done something wrong, had remorse about it and asked
God and other people to forgive you, then move on and try to never
repeat the same mistake again. Don't continue to beat yourself up
over it, that is also not helpful. No, the next time the Israelites
stood at the border of the Promised Land, about to enter, they
didn't hesitate; they went forward and entered it. They didn't
repeat the same mistake. And you can learn from yours too, confess
your sins and move forward. That is the best way to go.
Father, we do so many wrong things.
Please forgive us, we are truly sorry. And help us to move forward
now and not to repeat the same mistake again. Thank you Lord. In
Jesus Name. Amen