In Numbers 13:1-14:38 we see the Israelites on the border of the promised land. Moses sends out a dozen spies to scope things out. While they return united in their opinion of the lush fertility of the land, ten of the twelve insist that the current inhabitants of the land are too numerous and much to strong to be overtaken. Only Caleb and Joshua take issue with that thought, arguing that the inhabitants can be conquered. I've always loved Caleb's plea to the people to obey the Lord and go forward:
"...The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do no fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them."
Numbers 14:7b - 9
Caleb's eyes weren't on the circumstances: his gaze was fixed solely on God, and his trust placed in the promises God had made to the people. It's still easy to get caught up in worrying about the circumstances we find ourselves in, forgetting that God has promised to be with us always - even when He asks us to walk through difficult times. There may be giants in the land, but God is greater.
A second favorite passage of mine pops up near the end of the account of Baalam. Most kids who go to Sunday School eventually learn the story of Baalam's donkey, who develops the ability to talk (and tell his master a thing or two). But my favorite verse comes later in the account.
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
Numbers 23:19
God's promises are sure. His character is unchanging. His Word is truth. His sense of time is much different than ours, but we can be absolutely certain He will fulfill His promises.
No comments:
Post a Comment