Numbers 13:1-25 SEARCH - BROUGHT BACK WORD Comparing scriptures in one place with scripture in another, often gives us a more complete insight into the issues that surrounded an event. The first chapter of Deuteronomy gives the background to God telling Moses to send men to explore the land of Canaan. Instead of going forward in faith based on the promises of God, the Israelites wanted to search out the land first and take things into their own hands. God had told them, "Fear not, neither be discouraged." But that wasn't good enough for them. The moral condition of the people of God affects how they respond to God. Faith in God Himself lifts our eyes above the present circumstances of life and gives assurance that what He has promised will be fulfilled. What we perceive as obstacles are opportunities for God to reveal Himself as the One in whom we can place our unreserved trust. It is in the times we cannot see the outcome of a matter, that God is most glorified in us and through us. Many of God's people have their finest hour in the valley of pain and tears. In those times their faith shines as a light to guide those around to seek the Lord - not just information.
However, God, being the God of all grace, may allow the plans we have, to be carried out. He does not impose faith on us. The condition of soul we are in has far-reaching effects on the lives of other people as well as our own. God told Moses in effect, "All right, send men to search out the land which I have already promised to my people." God knew the moral state of His people, and that they were rejecting what He had promised. The futile journey of five hundred miles through Canaan and back did not prove a thing except that it revealed the state of mind and moral condition of those who should have been anxious to go in and possess the land they had been promised by the highest moral Authority - God Himself. How insulting it is when God's people doubt Him. Human "common sense" can be an awful hindrance in the life of faith if we allow it the place of supremacy in our decision making.
When we allow our focus to be on things around us rather than the goal before us, we effectively stop the benefits of a life of faith. Why should we search for what has already been indentified and promised? What value is there in reconnoitering what is already ours by promise from God? For those men who went to "spy out the land," their legacy left to Israel was one of fear and doubt. Only Caleb and Joshua are ever named again. The other ten were forgotten men who are only known for their negative influence on the people of God that led to a whole generation of people dying and buried in unmarked graves in the wilderness.
It is important for us to learn that we are not able to journey through this life without affecting others for good or bad. Every one of us is going to be remembered in some way. Other people will make their decisions for themselves in response, or influenced by some decision I make. If I make a choice that is divisive, that one choice will be what I will be remembered for. Our reputation will influence the generations following that will either be blessed or cursed because of it. What God allows me to do may not be what He wants me to do. The moral condition of my mind and life does not leave the thoughts of other people with my decease. The on-going influence of one does not cease for a long time.
All the Lord had told them concerning the land of promise was affirmed as the twelve men spent a month traveling from place to place. If they had been willing to take action by faith on what God had already told them, the whole nation would have been able to experience the blessings that were obvious. To doubt God is sin. More than that, to not believe what He says, is to make Him a liar. What grief it must bring to the Holy Spirit when we, God's people, do not act in faith as He leads us in "paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
The doubts of the people of God was based on their response to the opinions of ten men who compared themselves with the people of the world. Even today when the people of God compare themselves with the rich, the famous and the mighty of the earth, we look very small. But when we remember God has chosen the weak, insignificant and despised people to confound the mighty, then we are able to confidently go forward in faith in God, knowing the outcome is sure to be what He wants. God has His objectives to be fulfilled in us. It is up to us to not hesitate to press forward to the goal of His high calling, and in our confidence in Him, He will perform His will in a way that far surpasses any small objectives we might have.
What is behind the doubts of men who stop to look around, And form a plan of action on opinions, or what men found To be accepted practices in the world that has no faith In the One who rules the universe, and dwells not in time or space?
The motivation behind such choices made is men think they know what's best. What they conceive by sight and sound, is to them better than in faith to rest On what God has said and proven too, in this course of life. Yet still they choose to ignore God's promise, and only walk by sight.
In grace God does allow the will of man free rein. He knows the willful act will bring them only pain. When one's moral state is such that he thinks his way is right - He will suffer the consequences that follow sin's awful blight.
How much better we will find our life and work on earth to be - If we walk in humble trust in God than in the things we see. God knows what lies ahead and what to do in every situation. Yet leaves us the right to reap the results of our self-centered decision.
May I not hesitate to act in faith even though not knowing the final end Of the events in which I find myself, I know the One who sends Me to such a place and work, and there I will take my stand. By God's grace I'll trust Him still to guide me by His hand.
"O longsuffering Father, how often have I disappointed Thee by my willfulness. Yet Thou hast been so longsuffering and gracious to still keep me in this path of Thy leading. May my feet never stray from this divinely guided way. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."