God wants us to come to Him like children because children are open, fearless, and not distracted by life's elements. It is the adults that teach children about fear. We are the ones that condition them to a healthy or destructive fear. Destructive fear keeps people from living a full life. Healthy fear keep you from being foolish and trusting God.
The Hebrews were afraid of giants. They did not want to risk anything for the promised land, so they turned their fear toward Moses and Aaron. The people blamed them for all their hardships. Caleb and Joshua watched. What they saw made them mourn. God's promise was right there and wanted it, but how could they convince everyone else?
The people chose to rebel against God because of fear. This fear revealed a lack of faith. It had the people wanting to kill anyone who spoke up to follow God's plan. This fear and their reaction made God angry.
Moses intervened on the behalf of the people, so God forgave them. They were forgiven, but there were consequences. No person in the nation would be allowed to enter the promised land, ever, except those 20 or under and Caleb and Joshua. The nation paid dearly for allowing their fear to lead them to contempt. This meant they would all wonder the desert together for 40 years until the last one was dead.
The 10 men that gave the fearful report were struck with a plague and died horribly. Joshua and Caleb had to endure the 40 years with the people who were afraid. They would be rewarded, but at the time it must have felt like they were being punished too. The people's struggles were just beginning because they allowed fear to rule their lives. It would be all they ever knew.
God's plan is not always easy. It can be scary at times. Most people fear the unknown. We have to push past any of those fears to do as He commands. It is the only way to see what He has waiting for us. If we rebel, then the consequences could be severe.
Numbers 14
No comments:
Post a Comment
This Blog is open for discussion. Please share your thoughts.