Bad Manners

“And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.”  Acts 13:18 (KJV)

Our Sunday school class has been studying in the book of Acts in the last few weeks and as we read the passage that contained the verse above, a thought hit me square between the eyes.  Has the Lord had to suffer my manners?  The answer to that question is a resounding YES! 

To get the full picture of this verse let me give a short recap of the chapter.  Earlier in the passage Paul is recounting the history of the Israelites, starting with their time in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. This verse is a reference to the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, specifically their disobedience and unfaithfulness towards God during that time.

This verse speaks to the patience and long-suffering of God towards the Israelites. It points to the fact that despite their disobedience and rebellion, God continued to show them mercy and grace for a period of forty years.  This also brings to mind my disobedience and yes, rebellion.  Not unlike the Israelites, I have been the recipient of God’s unending mercy and grace.  In fact, I could insert my name in that same verse…”and about the time of 60+ years, suffered he Lucy’s manners”….

My personal bad manners may not be as the same as the children of Israel, but I am guilty of rebellion and disobedience too.  In fact, we are all guilty and the same grace and mercy that the Israelites were shown, the same I have benefitted from is the same grace and mercy that is available to all.

How thankful I am that I serve a long-suffering God, who is not willing that any should perish. 

Let’s close today’s devotion with the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may be quick to confess my own sin, eager to trust Your word and faithful to obey Your commands... and that I abide in You and You in me, so that I may be a person after Your own heart - to Your praise and glory.

This I ask in Jesus name, AMEN