Numbers 14:20-45  The Lord pardoned the iniquity of the people of Israel as Moses had prayed. But, the consequences of their unfaithfulness would be devastating.  All of the men who had been numbered.. the entire army with the exception of Caleb and Joshua  would die in the wilderness without ever entering the promised land.  The 10 spies who had brought the "very bad report" died immediately from a plague. 

The rest of Israel were sentenced to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness as shepherds... one year for each day that the spies had spent in the land of Canaan.  Only when the grumblers were buried in the wilderness would their children be able to finally take the land. 

Yet, even after the people mourned their loss, they turned around and disobeyed again!  Some men decided to go fight the Amalekites and Canaanites on their own.  Moses warned them that the Lord would not be with them for they were sinning against Him once again.  But.. they would not listen and went on their own.. and were struck down. 

The Lord did not leave Moses or the people without hope.. ".. as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.." (v21)  He told them to turn back to the wilderness.. for they would wander for 40 years.. but there would be a day when they would enter the land.. "When you enter the land where you are to live, which I am giving you.. " He said. (15:2)  They would enter the land.. they would present offerings and worship Him.. there was still hope! He would not forsake them even in their wandering.

Father, sometimes we feel like we are wandering.. and our hope for Your return becomes dim..  Restore us Lord.  Give us greater faith and deeper hope. Open our eyes to see Your Hand at work, even now. Open our ears to hear Your voice calling us to wait upon You and to lift up our eyes because Jesus is coming soon. Fill us with Your Spirit and grant us strength and courage for You have promised to be with us and You always keep Your Promises.  Let all the earth be filled with the glory of the Lord, even as You spoke to Moses in the wilderness. We thank You for the good news of salvation.. still spreading out to every tongue and tribe and nation.  Rescue the perishing, Lord God.. Let the Light of the World.. Jesus Christ break through all the darkness we pray. In His wonderful Name. Amen