READING: Numbers 14-16
Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, said the Hebrews should take the land the Lord promised them. The masses instead cried out against Moses and Aaron, and they even raised the possibility of enlisting a new leader to take them back to Egypt. Indeed, the whole community eventually threatened to stone those leaders who were ready to enter the land.
Here’s what the community chose not to listen to:
- “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us.” (Num 14:8)
- “Only don’t rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them.” (Num 14:9a)
- “Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!” (Num 14:9b)
Men of God challenged them to trust the Lord, obey Him, know His presence with them, and leave their fears behind. Nevertheless, they let their fear trump their faith – and it cost them more than they would have ever imagined. They missed the Promised Land because they chose not to trust the Lord and His promises.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you allowing fear to dominate your life today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I’m sometimes guilty, too, of not trusting You. Forgive me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 17-20