March 25, 2022 - Numbers 14-15
America's John Paul Jones' statement, "I have not yet begun to fight", and a recent statement by Ukraine's current president, "The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride", are two statements that have galvanized supporters and countries to attempt what appeared to be impossible. In the darkness of uncertainty, a person or nation's destiny can be determined by those who confidently speak and lead.
Twelve spies went to Canaan to spy out the land and to bring back a report to Moses and the nation. Ten of the spies brought back negative reports and the people are crushed and disheartened by their words. Joshua and Caleb sought to restore the people's belief that God was more powerful and capable than giants but were not heard. If not for God's intervention Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb would have been stoned by the congregation (14:10).
Decisions determine destiny! Just a few years earlier, the people of Israel had determined to follow Moses to freedom and out of Egypt they walked. In this passage, they resolved to no longer follow Moses and as a result, they would return to another type of slavery. In a hasty moment, as the people chose to listen to the wrong voices, the die was cast and God determined to send them away from the promised land.
Despite the people's rejection and attempt to stone him, Moses intercedes for mercy upon the people of Israel. Moses implores the Lord to consider His chosen people and their position before Him, declaring they must possess the land so God's glory and power would be revealed. "Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now," (14:19).
The Lord relents, (14:20-25) but with ramifications to the adults of the nation. Those who were unbelieving would wander in the wilderness until they died and their children would inherit the promised land. In 15:1 the Lord assures them of their possession of the land and provides laws they are to enforce while living safely there.
God's promises are real and will come to pass! When crises occur, hearts melt and listening to wrong voices can be tempting. Like Joshua and Caleb, remember God's words spoken through Caleb, "If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us..." (14:8). No matter how tough the future may appear, trust God and move ahead.