Calling All Joshuas and Calebs
The Israelites have been saved out of their bondage in Egypt and given the law while camping in Sinai. They’ve seen the LORD part waters, rain manna, perform many wonders, and lead them with His presence in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
And so we arrive in Numbers 13-14. Enter Joshua and Caleb. The only two spies who give a faith-filled report upon being sent with 10 other leaders to survey the land of Canaan that was promised to Israel.
Promised. Keep that word in your back pocket, here we go…
“Then the LORD spoke to Moses saying, ‘Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel…’” Numbers 13:2
When they are sent out, they’re told to report on how the land is. The land that the LORD “is going to give them”. Did you hear any room left for doubt in that phrase?
Neither did Joshua and Caleb.
“We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it… The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land.” Numbers 13:30, 14:7
Why then is the report of the vast majority (10/12 spies!) fearful nay-saying?
“We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey… Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong… We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” Numbers 13:27, 31
When you juxtapose those verses, the 10 spies just seem ridiculous.
If we are in Christ, we’re in a similar spot today. We’ve been saved from our bondage, we’ve been given the Spirit, we’re being sanctified and seeing God move. Pull those two reports through our context as believers waiting expectantly for the return of our LORD and for a new heaven and a new earth. Consider Jesus’ faithful revelation to us…
The Kingdom of God is like a tree. The Kingdom of God is like a treasure. Like a jeweled city. Like a giant wedding feast.
Are we Calebs and Joshuas as we envision the coming justice, freedom, love, purity that is promised? This is your cue to take that word out of your pocket, dust it off, and admire it – promised.
The Kingdom of God is like… magnificent! And it is ours to inherit in Christ.
Will there be obstacles along the way? Guaranteed.
Will they be insurmountable? No.
We will be victorious in the strength of His might.