Why did God do that?
“While their food was still in their mouths, the wrath of God came against them, and slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of Israel. In spite of this they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works. Therefore their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear. When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God.”
– Psalm 78:30-34
It sank like a rock. “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.” – 1 Timothy 1:19 KJV
Even when it doesn’t look likely! “And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” – Daniel 2:43
There’s too much at stake… “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ’; and shall deceive many.” Matthew 24:4-5
“One man loved the pilgrim soul in you.” “What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” – Isaiah 5:4 KJV
[Revelation 14:13] Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
You don’t have to like them. “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.” – Titus 3:1 KJV