READING: Numbers 11-13, Mark 8:1-9:1
The majority is not always right. They might have the numbers to win an argument or hold a position, but that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily on target. They might have more voices in favor yet be decidedly wrong—especially when it’s fear that motivates them.
That was the case with the 10 spies who allowed fear of the giants in the land to dominate their thinking. Yes, the land flowed with milk and honey, but that reality didn’t matter. They saw the fruit of God’s blessing, but only in the shadow of the giants. As one writer put it, “Focusing fearfully upon the outward feasibility in the face of the world’s power rather than upon their inward faith in God’s omnipotence, they lost perspective of the boundless possibilities that awaited them.”*
Two spies who trusted God, Joshua and Caleb, differed strongly with the majority opinion—but their commitment didn’t win the day. For following the majority when the majority failed to trust God, the Israelites suffered in the wilderness for a generation. It’s always wise to trust a minority position that trusts God and takes Him at His Word more than a majority who don’t listen to Him.
PRAYER: “Even I must stand alone for You, God, I commit myself to do so.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Pray for believers around the world who are standing alone under persecution.
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Numbers 14-15, Mark 9:2-29
* Cole, R. D. (2000). Numbers (Vol. 3B, p. 224). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
