Today we examine a passage that, in my mind, is one of the most moving stories in all of Scripture. Not only does it show the dark side of unbelief, but it also illuminates the glorious result of faith.
Begin by reading Numbers 13:1-16.
Who is the one that sent the spies (verses 1-2)?
Now here’s an interesting part to this command. What do you learn from Deuteronomy 1:21-22?
Why would they do this? They had God’s promise that He would deliver them into the Promised Land and they witnessed unbelievable miracles along the way. So, why wouldn’t they just trust God? Well, here’s what I think. It’s easier to walk by sight than by faith. In any case, this is surely the beginning of their downfall. They may have fared better had they just trusted God instead of asking to go scope out the land.
How are we supposed to live, according to 2 Corinthians 5:7?
If you would like to examine your faith further and to learn to walk by faith, then you should consider working through our Fearless Faith Bible study. It may change your life.
Look back at Numbers 13:1-3. Who were the men chosen to explore the land?
As we move on, take in mind that these men were leaders, respected members of the Israelites. This is important to note as we’ll soon see their influence among the people.
Read Numbers 13:17-20. On their journey to spy out the land, what were they to do? Write down specifics.
Now, summarize Numbers 13:21-25.
Compare Exodus 3:8 with the previous passage. Would you say that the land was as God had promised? Explain.
It’s important we look at the spies in this next passage. Remember, there were twelve explorers. As you read Numbers 13:26 – 14:10, write down what you learn about the ten spies versus Joshua and Caleb.
Ten spies:
Joshua and Caleb:
Now, before we shake our heads at this scenario and wonder how ten of the spies could come back with such a bleak picture, I’m thinking that we might have sided with them as well. In fact, I see this as a big problem in the church today. It is easier to walk by sight than it is to walk by faith. If we can’t see what’s ahead, or we don’t know the outcome, then we just don’t want any part of it. If it seems like a daunting task and we don’t believe we are qualified, then we often choose the easier road. But here’s the thing: when God is in it and it’s His plan for our life, then it usually goes way beyond our comfort zone. He rarely gives us all the details and never sheds light on the outcome. All He asks is that we trust Him and walk with Him.
The Israelites had all the miracles to look back on. We have the completed Scriptures at our disposal. The Israelites had God’s promise. We, too, have God’s promises. So in my estimation, walking by faith is a no-brainer. Walking by faith shows God that we trust Him and we believe He will get us through. I heard it said that “the WILL OF GOD will never take you to a place that the GRACE OF GOD won’t bring you through.” Oh, how true this is.
Is God asking you to do something and you’ve been hesitating? What will you do?
We would love to hear from you! Please share your insights, thoughts, and/or comments about today’s lesson in the comment section.
Until next time,
Had to play catch up on the last couple of weeks and I am sooooo, sooooo glad I did! Boy is God speaking to me through these messages. Don’t know why I am surprised..lol…He always ministers to me through your studies… the anointing is all over them. Today’s was so on point! Your question at the end hit home with something the Lord has been dealing with me about! “Is God asking you to do something and you’ve been hesitating? What will you do?” …….. Love you!
I too have been behind in our Study of Joshua, but this afternoon, God led me back to the place He wanted me to be. And oh how I have been blessed to have reconnected again with you, my Beloved Teacher, and with this beautiful Story of a man from the Old Testament named Joshua who had “The Faith of a Warrior.”
I especially loved hearing the following truth once again, that “It is easier to walk by sight than it is to walk by faith.” For we read of a Nation coming out of Egypt who had experienced some of the most profound miracles in history, yet in their humanness, many of them could only envision “Giants in the land rather then the blessings God had promised them.”
They even likened themselves to “grasshoppers” that could easily be stepped upon, while forgetting that The Great God of their youth had flown them out of slavery on His Glorious Wings of Protection and Comfort. Who then, I ask, could truly come against them when God was totally for them?
Oh, let us now not be so blind as to belittle ourselves as they did when Our Heavenly Father calls us “His Own very Dear Children.”
We are in no way “grasshoppers!” For we “are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us,’ while knowing “that neither death nor life, not angels or principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created things (like giants) will be able to separate us from The Love of God that is in Messiah, Yeshua Our LORD.” Romans 8:37-39 (Tree of Life Version from The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.)
Yet, in all fairness, are we as a Body of Christ much different today? I would certainly hope so because Our God’s Provisions and Blessings are still so amazing and truly meant for all of His Children down throughout the ages. For we all need to remember that Our LORD Jesus prayed for us along with the disciples who were present with Him at The Last Supper according to John Chapter 17.
Thank you for a powerful and timely Lesson, Sheryl. I have loved sitting here in The Presence of Our Beloved God while coming in contact with your precious heart that loves God’s Holy Word.
Elsie
Oh Elsie… how I love you for such inspiring thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts down. I hope these comments bless many who read them.