Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

Numbers 14:8-9

If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.

Joshua and Caleb got it. They had seen all God had done for His people and knew if their trust was in Him they had nothing to fear from the people who occupied the land the Lord promised them. They also knew to rebel against God and not fear Him would bring destruction. How could the others who had been on this same journey and seen the same miracles and provision of God with Joshua and Caleb not have known this? What upset the rest of the folks so much about the words that Joshua and Caleb spoke that the people wanted to stone them?

Some people it seems just don't like truth. They don't like to be confronted with things that don't match how they perceive something or that may cause them to alter how they have been living. I'm certain I have many blind spots where I am that way. But I've found as I age and mature I am much more able to receive words that force me to examine how I live in light of truth.

Joshua and Caleb were the only ones from that generation who got to enter the promised land. But they still had to endure forty more years of wandering because of the rebellion of the others. They were so close to realizing God promise and had it snatched away. But still they trusted. And God kept His word to them. Not only must I trust God even when it seems I'm having to wander longer. But I need to realize that if I choose to rebel, others may have to endure more time wandering because of me. We're all in this together as His people. If the Lord delights in us, He will bring us into the land.