Stiff-necked and Hard-hearted

The Israelites in the wilderness and the presence of God.

The Jews witnessed the 10 great plagues upon Egypt, they crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, they had water from the rock, manna from the heavens and the quail from over the hill. They experienced the earth opening up to swallow the rebellious. They were accompanied with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Their clothes and shoes never wore out. They witnessed Moses' miraculous rod, Aaron's leprous hand, and God's Shekinah glory. For months they watched Mount Sinai with its lightnings, thunderings, and earthquakes.

They had all of these things to show them the provision, presence and power of God. And yet, what did they do? They whined, murmured, complained, made an idol, danced naked, broke God's laws and rebelled against Moses and against God.

Why did God put up with them? Why did Moses put up with them? Why would they be called anything but stiff-necked and hard-hearted.

Ah, such is human nature. "What have you done for me lately?" "Yeah, but..."

It just goes to show you:
*God is faithful when we are not.
*God is long suffering, knowing the stuff we are made of.
*God is full of grace and mercy.
*God keeps his promises.

Can I get an "Amen!"?