Numbers 14:10 “But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the LORD appeared in the tent of meeting to all the sons of Israel.” We all stumble and sin. What’s supposed to happen is we feel sorrow and go to God for forgiveness and help. The people in today’s passage are in the middle of their sin. Sorrow hasn’t set in yet. Moses and the three others are trying to persuade them. They are trying to put some sorrow within them, so they would change their minds. They aren’t receptive. In fact they are hostile. At times we are the messangers. We certainly are to be those that share the gospel. Some receive it gratefully, others do do not. We are to share it, even though they might not like it. Lord, give us wisdom as to when to do this. The gospel isn’t often received well. People are in a groove and feel that God’s message is a disruption. They are often hostile towards christianity. Many mock it. Paul says in I Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” They think we are simple minded in need of primitive religion. They think they are more enlightened. Hollywood, Washington and the eastern and big city elites mock those of faith. They make it acceptable to do so. They don’t see the double standard of their bullying. We aren’t to let their disapproval sway us. Continuing on in the first chapter of Corinthians (26-29), it says, “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.” We need to view things from God’s altitude. In time, His ways are proven. Cultural wisdom is usually seen as foolish and is abandoned. However, at the time worldly wisdom is the only acceptable option. We won’t persuade them. We are to boldly go His way. Those that are to be influenced will follow our example. I love the irony of the Corinthian passage. God uses the foolish to confound the wise. I can hear the smuggness in their tone. They are completely unaware. We aren’t to be equally smug. But in humility to seek to reach all. He will deal with those who mock and harm with their influence. It’s not our battle. He will sovereignly work His way. God rescued Moses and friends in the nick of time. We may not get that perfect timing. We will need to trust that He is working His will. We aren’t to fear them, but to speak the truth in love. If they are hostile, so be it. If they are receptive, God be praised. Lord, thank You for Your sovereignty. Help us to rest in it.