One lesson we learn from God’s relationship with the Israelites is that He is merciful.

He is the giver of second, third, and fourth chances — of “seventy times seven” chances (see Matthew 18:22).

When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, God didn’t send them to their graves. Instead, He extended a hand of mercy to them through Joseph himself, saving them from starvation during a seven year famine.

When God’s people built the golden calf to worship, God insisted they melt the idol and drink its polluted water, but He didn’t destroy them. When the people adopted idol worship from neighboring countries, God allowed them to be conquered and enslaved, but only for a time. He gave them back their land.

God is patient. He disciplines like any good parent, and then watches for that repentant heart to start beating.

Life is learning. It’s practice. We are walking in the shadow of perfection. We try, but we still fail.

We can take comfort in the stories of old, stories that tell of God’s mercy with His people. He will have mercy on us too.