By Rev. Austin Bishop
6 Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. 7 They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! 8 And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
— Numbers 14:6-9 (NLT)
I truly wish there was enough space in this weekly devotional column to share the entirety of the 13th and 14th chapters of Numbers. I encourage you to take the time to read both. The lessons taught in them are invaluable and something we need to carry with us each day as children of God.
The two big differences between Caleb and Joshua and the other 10 spies that were sent into the Promised Land were their attitude and their trust in God. Those same two things are important for every Christian as we both navigate our daily life and go about the calling and direction God has given each of us as born-again believers.
You see how devastated Joshua and Caleb were after the Israelites as a whole rejected their report and sided with the naysayers. In fact, the congregation of Israel was so upset by the duo’s positive and God-honoring report that they wanted to stone them!
Remember that God knows what we will find before He sends us on an assignment. He knows what is around the next corner in our life. When God give us an opportunity, it is our responsibility to believe and accept it.
Near the end of the 13th chapter we see the results of the combination of fear and negativity and how the report of the 10 spies affected the attitudes and hearts of an estimated 2.5 million people.
Your influence over others is not something to be used lightly. With influence comes accountability. Gossip is never harmless and if consumed can change the course of people’s lives. Over exaggeration is a tool best left unused. When gossip, grumbling, and dissatisfaction hold hands it leads to a dangerous union.
We must be careful not to let our fears and worries become the voice of insurrection and rebellion. A lack of courage will often cause us to accept bad as good, because it is more comfortable or familiar. Don’t be afraid of change and growth.
Not following God’s direction for our life is rebellion against Him. What do you trust more: God’s promises or what you see?
When God opens doors we must have the courage to walk through them!
Always be working on your attitude and exercising your faith. Those two things will make your Christian journey much more productive and spiritually satisfying.
Austin Bishop is an ordained Assemblies of God minister and has been a journalist for 50 years. Those wishing to receive his daily devotional/Bible study notes may sign up by texting @morning24 to 81010. He can be reached by e-mail at starsportsboss@yahoo.com.
