Text: Numbers 14:1-4, 20-24
Memory Verse: “they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it” (Numbers 14:23).
The twelve spies had just returned from spying the Promised Land. They all agreed that the Land truly flowed with milk and honey, and that the land was large, fortified, and inhabited by giants of Anak’s descent, among others (Numbers 13:27-29). They were, however, divided in their opinion as to their ability to go and possess the Land.
While Caleb and Joshua, proclaimed that they should go up at once and possess the Land, “for we are well able to overcome it”, the other 10 declared that they were not able to go up against the people because they saw
themselves as grasshoppers, and the land as one that devours its inhabitants because of its occupants’ great stature (Numbers 13:30-33). How could a people God so loved, rescued from centuries of slavery, passionately nurtured, and protected in very unusual ways through theirwilderness journey, denounce Him and rebel against Him so callously? How could they be so fearful of the Canaanites and faithless about God’s promise, despite all the miraculous events, particularly at the Red Sea? The consequence of their unbelief and rebellion was that all who were 20 years old and above (except Caleb and Joshua) perished in the wilderness.
How do you respond when threatened by the enemy? Do you tremble in fear and unbelief or do you exercise faith in God and hold on to His promised victory? There is a grave danger in dwelling in unbelief, for without faith you
cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Prayer Points:
1. Father, please have mercy on me and forgive my lack of faith in You, and my acts of disobedience and rebellion.
2. Lord, increase my faith in You, and strengthen my confidence in Your ability to fulfil Your promises to me.