Day 63, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Numbers 13, 14, 15
Faith or Fear?
When we encounter some enormous challenges in our lives, how do we respond—with faith or fear? It’s only natural to react in fear, but what if we knew God was directing our path? Suppose we already had a history with him acting mightily on our behalf—would we still operate with fear and rebel, or would we act in faith? How could we act courageously instead?
In today’s Bible reading, the moment of ultimate testing arrives for the Israelites. After two years of traveling in Sinai and Zin’s wildernesses, they come to Kadesh Barnea at Canaan’s southern border. The people of Israel are ready to enter the land long-promised to them by the LORD. Their hopes are about to be realized.
Exploring the land
Under the people’s advisement, Moses asks the LORD for permission to send out scouts. God directs him to choose one leader from every tribe to explore Canaan. The spies travel from Kadesh Barnea to the extreme northern borders of Canaan, into areas called Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Jordan in today’s world. The trip takes forty days on foot. They survey the people, the cities, their fortifications, and the land’s fruit and trees.
A mixed report
When the men return, they confirm that this is indeed a prosperous land! They show the people a single cluster of grapes, which is so loaded with giant-size fruit that it must be carried on a pole between two men! (Numbers 13:23). This is good news! The bad news is that the cities are large and well-fortified, and there are giants in the land!What giants do we have in our lives? Are there problems that seem so enormous that they keep us from receiving what God wants to give us? What is often the real problem? It’s fear.
Faith is urged, not fear
The spies’ report causes great murmuring and anxiety in the Israelite congregation. But, one scout speaks differently than the rest.
Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30, NIV).
Although he does not speak upon this occasion, we soon discover that Joshua is in agreement with Caleb (Numbers 14:30, 38).
The other ten spies respond, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are!” (Numbers 13:31, NIV). They don’t have confidence in God; they only have confidence in their own strength, which is lacking.
A rebellion surges against Moses. Now, once again, they want to appoint someone else to lead them back to Egypt.
Joshua and Caleb tear their clothes in grief. They plead with them to have faith in God and not rebel (Numbers 14:7-9). Their confidence is in the LORD, the Almighty God who is with them. In whom is our trust—in our own abilities or in his abilities?
Unfortunately, the congregation believes the report of the ten spies (Numbers 14:1-4, 10). They lose faith in God and in their leaders, Moses and Aaron, and proceed to make plans for returning to Egypt.God is angry with their rejection
The LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they” (Numbers 14:11-12, NIV).
Moses is concerned about the Israelites and about God’s reputation. He begs the LORD to forgive the people so other nations will not mock him for failing to bring them through the desert.
Forgiveness and consequences
In response to Moses’ plea, God forgives them. However, all in the congregation who are at least twenty years old will die in the desert over the next forty years. Those born during their wilderness wanderings and under twenty years old will serve as shepherds, milling around in the wilderness because of their parents and grandparents’ unfaithfulness. It’ll be difficult for the children to watch their relatives die without inheriting the Promised Land.
It’ll also be challenging for the parents and grandparents to watch their children suffer the hardships of desert life. Because of their rebellion, the younger ones won’t inherit the land for forty more years.
The ten spies who discouraged the people from following the LORD are killed with a plague. It’s dangerous to discourage faith in God, especially if we are a parent or have other leadership roles. Instead, we should inspire confidence in God by rehearsing all that God has done for us and how he has worked in our lives. Then young and old can be encouraged to trust in him. They can be brave facing their giants.
We can fix this…or can we?
When the people of Israel hear God’s judgment, they mourn and then act in presumption. They believe that the LORD will change his mind if they take immediate action against the Canaanites (Numbers 14:44-45). Moses warns them not to do it.When the Israelites attack Canaan in their own strength, the Almighty is no longer helping them, and they’re defeated. They suffer heavy losses. We can’t make God bend to our will; we must bend to his. The LORD is pleased with those who are faithful, not rebellious.
Hope, despite discipline
Nevertheless, despite the judgment against the Israelites, God is gracious. After sentencing the rebellious Israelites, he gives instructions about sacrifices the Israelites will make when they enter the land. The instructions for their future in Canaan bring hope to the people. Even though the parents and grandparents will die in the wilderness, still their children will have a future in the Promised Land.
God disciplines us for our good and to share in his holiness (Hebrews 12:10). Disobedience has consequences, but the LORD is merciful, gracious, and forgiving to his people (Numbers 14:18-19). When we discipline others, we should be like God and forgive. Then we should encourage their hearts by speaking of a hopeful future if they will obey.Discussion
When facing enormous challenges, what might make us courageous instead of fearful?
It is dangerous to discourage faith in God. Why is this, and what might happen to us if we did?
After discipline, God offers hope. What does this demonstrate about him, and why should we apply the principle?
Focus Verse
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NIV).
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Looking Ahead: How can people be discouraged from rebellion against their leadership? Find out in our Next Lesson.
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