Numbers 14:40-44 New International Version (NIV)
40 Early the next morning they set out for the highest point in the hill country, saying, “Now we are ready to go up to the land the Lord promised. Surely we have sinned!”
41 But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! 42 Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, 43 for the Amalekites and the Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.”
44 Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp.
After the Israelites realized they had made a foolish mistake, all of a sudden they were going to return to God. This was an admission of guilt, but there was not a true repentance. God knew their hearts. Not long after, they went their own way again. Sometimes right actions and good intentions may come too late. Do you try to do what is right the first time? It is important to do the right thing at the right time. God wants complete and instant obedience. There may be times you have questioned or lagged in obeying. We are all a work in progress. Recognize this, and work toward complete and instant obedience. Your relationship with God will get stronger and stronger.
