Bible Study - Second Nature (3) - Ruth - Ruth 1:8-17 - October 29, 2017

Bible Study – Second Nature (3) – Ruth – October 29, 2017

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Second Nature: Choosing 

CHRIST-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World.”

Our focus scripture is Ruth 1:8-17.

CHRIST-centered living chooses commitment, not convenience.

When I look at Israel as a whole in the Old Testament, I think of us, as Christians, living life upon earth. We all have our ups and downs as we grow Spiritually and build our personal, loving, intimate relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. These ups and downs, as we journey through life, help us to get to know GOD, HIS love, HIS care, HIS guidance and not for us to just get to know about GOD. GOD’S desire is for us to experience HIM. Does that mean that our journey with HIM will be easy? No! But it does mean HE will be with us every step of the way. Our life upon earth is all about building the right, personal, trusting relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

In our lesson this week, we witness the relationship GOD desires for each of us to have with HIM. That is a life committed to obediently serving HIM, as HE leads us through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

We have studied the Israelites being led to the Promised Land, refusing to trust GOD to help them conquer the land HE had given them. When the Israelites heard that their twenty year olds and upward would not enter the Promised Land and all the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for 40 years, they repented for their lack of faith in GOD. Then, they decided to go take the land and as recorded in Numbers 14:39-45:

39 When Moses reported these words to all the Israelites, the people were overcome with grief.

Moses reported to the Israelites GOD’S punishment upon them for their lack of faith in GOD because they were afraid to enter the Promised Land HE had given to them. The Israelites “were overcome with grief” which led them to reconsider their action not to enter the land GOD had given to them. So they changed their minds. GOD’S desire is for hearts that trust HIM and that are committed to HIM and HIS ability to provide.

40 They got up early the next morning and went up the ridge of the hill country, saying, "Let's go to the place the Lord promised, for we were wrong."

41 But Moses responded, "Why are you going against the Lord's command? It won't succeed.

42 Don't go, because the Lord is not among you and you will be defeated by your enemies.

43 The Amalekites and Canaanites are right in front of you, and you will fall by the sword. The Lord won't be with you, since you have turned from following Him."

44 But they dared to go up the ridge of the hill country, even though the ark of the Lord's covenant and Moses did not leave the camp.

45 Then the Amalekites and Canaanites who lived in that [part of the] hill country came down, attacked them, and routed them as far as Hormah.

Moses warned them that it was too late for them. GOD would not be with them. Thus, the Israelites were defeated.

Now fast forward forty years, once the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they witnessed the leadership of GOD by walking across the Jordon River on a dry bed. They witnessed GOD giving them victory over Jericho when they trusted HIM with the blowing of trumpets and shouting. When GOD leads we must be obedient to HIS leadership.

GOD warned them to destroy all the idols and pagan gods in the Promised Land and not to worship any of them.

However, the Israelites struggled with worshiping The LORD versus worshiping the gods of the Canaanites. They would turn away from worshiping The One True GOD and worship the false gods in Canaan. They would repent and GOD would restore their relationship. I think of their relationship as a wheel. Round and round they would go – worship the One True GOD, fall away and then worship some false god. GOD would punish them and they would repent and return to their One True GOD. Spiritually, they were hot and then cold. GOD has scripture for such a relationship as we read in Revelation 3:15-16:

15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot.

16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.

Straddling the spiritual fence makes GOD sick. When you mix hot and cold, the net result is lukewarm.

During the period of judges, the Israelites would focus on GOD but once the judges died they would revert back to worshiping gods.

The Book of Ruth is a record during the period of judges. During this period, GOD was at work in Israel’s next door neighbor, Moab. We get to see the hand of GOD bringing together the lineage of the future Messiah, JESUS, through the union of Boaz and Ruth. The need for food was the driving force which relocated Elimelech, Naomi and their family.  Let’s explore!

Elimelech (e-lim’-e-lech) and his wife, Naomi, left Bethlehem and went to Moab in search of food. They took their two sons – Mahlon and Chilion with them to Moab. Ruth’s husband died. Her two sons married Moabite women – Orpah and Ruth. Then her two sons died. Thus, some of the background for our study is recorded in our background scripture as we read on ----

Let’s read Ruth 1:1-7: Background

Naomi's Family in Moab

1 During the time of the judges, there was a famine in the land. A man left Bethlehem in Judah with his wife and two sons to live in the land of Moab for a while.

2 The man's name was Elimelech, and his wife's name was Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They entered the land of Moab and [settled] there.

3 Naomi's husband Elimelech died, and she was left with her two sons.

4 Her sons took Moabite women as their wives: one was named Orpah (Or’ pa) and the second was named Ruth. After they lived in Moab about 10 years,

5 both Mahlon and Chilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two children and without her husband.

Ruth's Loyalty to Naomi

6 She and her daughters-in-law prepared to leave the land of Moab, because she had heard in Moab that the Lord had paid attention to His people's [need] by providing them food.

7 She left the place where she had been living, accompanied by her two daughters-in-law, and traveled along the road leading back to the land of Judah.

Let’s read Ruth 1:8-10:

8 She said to them, "Each of you go back to your mother's home. May the Lord show faithful love to you as you have shown to the dead and to me.

9 May the Lord enable each of you to find security in the house of your [new] husband." She kissed them, and they wept loudly.

10 "No," they said to her. "We will go with you to your people."

Let’s read Ruth 1:11-15:

11 But Naomi replied, "Return home, my daughters. Why do you want to go with me? Am I able to have any more sons who could become your husbands?

12 Return home, my daughters. Go on, for I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was [still] hope for me to have a husband tonight and to bear sons,

13 would you be willing to wait for them to grow up? Would you restrain yourselves from remarrying? No, my daughters, [my life] is much too bitter for you [to share], because the Lord's hand has turned against me."

From Naomi’s point-of-view the LORD had turned against her but had HE? GOD was re-positioning her and Ruth to accomplish HIS will and purpose as we will read at the end of our study. This is the beauty of us getting to know the rest of the story and the beauty of GOD’S Word.

14 Again they wept loudly, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

15 Naomi said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her god. Follow your sister-in-law."

Let’s read Ruth 1:16-17-22:

16 But Ruth replied: Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do this to me, and even more, if anything but death separates you and me.

That is commitment and the commitment GOD desires for us and HIM and for our wife or husband when we marry.

Some people think getting married in a church provides assurance of an everlasting marriage, “until death do us part.” Each person being a Christian provides a basis but it takes commitment to each other and their marriage relationship for it to last. Marriage takes work and commitment to each other. 

Satan will offer alternatives. I have no tolerance for abuse from either partner.

18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her.

Ruth was determined and committed to go with Naomi. This is the commitment our LORD desires from each of us as we travel through life committed to obediently serve HIM.

19 The two of them traveled until they came to Bethlehem. When they entered Bethlehem, the whole town was excited about their arrival and [the local women] exclaimed, "Can this be Naomi?"

20 "Don't call me Naomi. Call me Mara," she answered, "for the Almighty has made me very bitter.

Naomi was bitter toward the LORD. Many of us get bitter with the LORD but HE tells us that HE will never forsake us or leave us. Our part is to trust even when the path of life gets very hard.

21 I left full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has pronounced [judgment] on me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

22 So Naomi came back from the land of Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth the Moabitess. They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.

As we journey with our LORD, HIS timing is always perfect.

Psalm 30:5:

5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Now for the rest of the story:

As we study the book of Ruth, we discover the main reason Ruth clung to Naomi and GOD relocated her, as recorded in Ruth 4:13-17:

13 Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he was intimate with her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.

14 Then the women said to Naomi, "Praise the Lord, who has not left you without a family redeemer today. May his name be famous in Israel.

15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Indeed, your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him."

So Ruth married Boaz and they had a child. What was so great about that other than making Naomi happy? Let’s explore!

GOD’S plan was for Boaz and Ruth to be in the lineage of JESUS. Ruth gave birth to Obed and that event turned Naomi’s bitterness to joy. But there was more to come as we read on ----

Often, we do not see the complete picture for our lives against the backdrop of GOD’S complete plan. We look at our circumstances and think that GOD is against us. Yet, HE is only re-positioning us to accomplish HIS will and purpose in our lives and the lives of our future child or children. That is the reason every life is important and counts in GOD’S plans. I have listened to a number of people give their testimony of being so grateful that their mother did not abort him or her.

The Good News is that GOD understands when we think ill of HIM because of life’s circumstances. In the words of Dr. Vance Havner, “we must practice in the dark what we learn in the light.” Easy to write or say and difficult when we find ourselves in the dark. As the words of the old gospel song go “trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS, but to trust and obey.” Lyrics by John H Sammis, 1887.

Being a child of GOD through faith in JESUS is not easy but rewarding as we build our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Please do not cut your Spiritual journey short by getting angry with GOD over the circumstances in your life but trust HIM to guide you through them to the Promised Land that HE has prepared for you. 

Remember the words of the song of years ago “trust and obey.” GOD loves you with an everlasting love.

Now, let’s consider part of the lineage of JESUS which relates to our study, as recorded in Matthew 1:5-6:

5 Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab, Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth, Obed fathered Jesse,

6 and Jesse fathered King David. Then David fathered Solomon by Uriah's wife,

When we think GOD has handed us lemons, HE is planning to make us lemon aid. It is such a blessing to see GOD’S plans unfold in lives. When we study GOD’S Word we have the opportunity to see HIS hand working in the lives of people. Our lives are still a “work in progress.” Keep on pressing forward because HE has a plan and purpose for you and your life. “Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in JESUS, except to trust and obey.” Prayers 

for all who are struggling. “Joy comes in the morning.” Blessings!!!

Three Tempotations of JESUS - Matthew 4:1-11 By Harold Joye

When we studied the three temptations of JESUS, Harold Joye, co-teacher of the ACTS Class, gave excellent insight into these temptations. Harold presented this to us this past Sunday. Blessings to all and a thank you to Harold - Tony

(Matt. 4: 1- 11)

1. First Temptation - Use your own power (which Jesus had!) to overcome your
hunger (v. 3,4). But God already had that scheduled for the end of the 40
days. Jesus quotes Deut. 8:3 - "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on
every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." Jesus puts his
dependence on God!

2. Second Temptation - Have the heavenly angels protect you. Satan is again
trying to bypass God, this time with heavenly beings! (v. 5 - 7) Jesus again
quotes Deut. 6: 16 - "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." Jesus
depends on God, not other heavenly beings!

3. Third Temptation - Satan, who has been given "control" of the world
("world," but not the Christians therein) says He will provide for Jesus. (v. 8
-10) Jesus quotes Deut. 6: 13, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and
serve Him only." Jesus, the original Christian, depends on God!

A. Notice that Jesus uses Old Testament scripture and not his own words to
put Satan in his place.

B. Jesus depended only on God - for his food,
- for his "heavenly" protection,
- and for any of his control on earth.

C.We should pray for the same kind of protection and control by God.

Bible Study - Second Nature (2) - Solomon - 1 Kings 3:3-14 and 4:29-34 - Octobeer 22, 2017

Bible Study – Second Nature (2) – Solomon – October 22, 2017

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Second Nature.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Kings 3:3-14 and 4:29-34.

CHRIST-centered living chooses wisdom from GOD, not simply knowledge.

What is wisdom from the Christian perspective? It is knowledge applied to GOD’S plan. The Bible admonishes us to study and to rightly divide GOD’S Word. Recorded in 2 Timothy 3:16 - 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, and in 2 Timothy 2:15 - 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

I remember when I first yielded my life to CHRIST, although I had taught the Bible, I saw GOD’S Word through new eyes. I read much, if not all of the Bible. I put it aside because I do not like to read the same thing over and over. After a period of time, I decided to pick up the Bible again to read it and to my surprise when I read the same scripture I had read weeks earlier, it read differently. I saw more truth and understood it better. That was the beginning of my Spiritual education that the more we read GOD’S Word, the Holy Spirit continues to reveal more and more truth and its application to us as we move forward in life.

The joy of reading and studying the Bible is that GOD reveals the truth of those who served HIM. We see our lives or the lives of others little by little, whereas, in the Bible we have the opportunity to read and study the lives of those in whom GOD had chosen and was working. They were not perfect but GOD had a plan for them - warts and all. That makes me feel much better about my life. The key is for each of us to be honest with GOD and confess our sins and ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins.

Yes, as Christians, we are cleansed from our sins and made white as snow. 

But, as we live for JESUS, we still sin, however, we are to confess our sin and repent (stop doing it); GOD cleanses and restores. Once, we become GOD Son or Daughter through the miracle of salvation and Spiritual rebirth, we no longer belong to this world. We belong to GOD’S family and our citizenship is in Heaven. We are seated next to our Savior and LORD JESUS in Heaven.

The Devil/Satan wants Christians to think they are defeated but GOD’S Grace is greater than all of our sin as Christians. But Christians are to confess their sins and trust in the power of GOD for them to live each day in obedience to HIM, as directed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

First John 1:8-10:

8 If we say, "We have no sin," we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say, "We have not sinned," we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

We are all sinners saved by GOD’S Grace. Grace is GOD’S unmerited favor toward each of us. Grace cannot be earned. It is GOD’S gift to every Christian. GOD’S Grace reaches into the hearts of the vilest. No one is beyond the grace of GOD to receive salvation through faith in JESUS.

Why do we have to confess our sins as we journey through life? Confession is agreeing with GOD. Christians are sinners saved by GOD’S Grace and live under HIS canopy of Grace. Un-confessed sin gives the Devil/Satan the opportunity to lure us out from GOD’S protective canopy and compromise our walk with JESUS. Christians must remember that JESUS is our advocate and stands before GOD pleading our case when the Devil/Satan accuses us. 

Confession of our sin places our case in, JESUS’ hands. When the Devil/Satan accuses us, we direct him to our advocate JESUS. Our part is to confess our sin. JESUS pleads our case, “he or she is covered by MY shed blood.”

One might say, “Well, this is a get out of Hell free card!” No! The Bible is very clear; a person who habitually sins does not belong to the family of GOD.

Our lesson this week focuses upon Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba. Let’s explore!

Let’s read 1 Kings 3:3-9:

3 Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places.

The word “statutes” refers to the Law of Moses. This reveals the heart of Solomon toward GOD, which he learned from his father, King David. King David was not without sin but he was a man after GOD’S own heart. There is life beyond our sin when we confess our sin and repent.

When GOD led the Israelites into the Promised Land, HE instructed them to tear down the pagan worship sites established in any place. One of the sites the pagans favored was to worship their gods in high places. The thought being that if you were up high, you were closer to god. Notice the little “g.” These are false gods.

In Deuteronomy 12:1-5 GOD gave instructions accordingly as the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land:

1 "Be careful to follow these statutes and ordinances in the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you to possess all the days you live on the earth.

2 Destroy completely all the places where the nations you are driving out worship their gods-on the high mountains, on the hills, and under every flourishing tree.

3 Tear down their altars, smash their sacred pillars, burn up their Asherah poles, cut down the carved images of their gods, and wipe out their names from every place.

4 Don't worship the Lord your God this way.

5 Instead, you must go to the place the Lord your God chooses from all your tribes to put His name for His dwelling.

King Solomon had not had the temple built and the focus of worship was the tabernacle or tent of meeting. Verse 5 in Deuteronomy 12 directs those who desire to worship the one true GOD of Israel to be led by GOD to the place HE chooses for HIS people to worship, which we see reflected in our focus scripture as we read on ---.   

4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there because it was the most famous high place. He offered 1,000 burnt offerings on that altar.

This large sacrifice reflected the heart, gratitude and dedication of Solomon toward GOD Who placed him as King of Israel.

5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, "Ask. What should I give you?"

GOD communicated with Solomon in a dream.

6 And Solomon replied, "You have shown great and faithful love to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity. You have continued this great and faithful love for him by giving him a son to sit on his throne, as it is today.

This reflects the importance of fathers being the spiritual leaders in their homes.

7 "Lord my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David's place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership.

Bible scholars estimate that Solomon was likely 30 years old or under. Solomon acknowledged that GOD made him king.

8 Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be numbered or counted.

9 So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?"

King Solomon’s desire was to have the wisdom to be an effective ruler. He knew the source of all wisdom was GOD. In order for us to access GOD’S wisdom, we must be in right relationship with HIM. Having the right relationship with GOD is exactly what GOD desires from all who desire to obediently serve HIM.

Let’s read 1 Kings 3:10-14:

10 Now it pleased the Lord that Solomon had requested this.

GOD knew by Solomon’s request that he had the foundation to be an obedient servant.

That is GOD’S desire for all Christians today. The beginning of such a journey is our salvation through faith in JESUS. The building of the right relationship with GOD is a Spiritual journey. It has its ups and downs but always positive.  

11 So God said to him, "Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to understand justice,

Discernment is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals truth from error. This is vital in the lives of all Christians as they obediently serve GOD in whatever they do – business, social life, investments, church, laborers, family, marriage and the list goes on.

12 I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again.

GOD’S gift is always precious and intended to Glorify HIM.

13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no man in any kingdom will be your equal during your entire life.

14 If you walk in My ways and keep My statutes and commandments just as your father David did, I will give you a long life."

GOD granted King Solomon’s request and so much more. When much is given, much is expected. Notice the provision “If you walk in MY ways and keep MY ---, I will ----.”

Let’s read 1 Kings 4:29-34:

Solomon's Wisdom and Literary Gifts

29 God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as [vast] as the sand on the seashore.

30 Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.

31 He was wiser than anyone-wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations.

32 Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005.

33 He described trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

34 People came from everywhere, [sent] by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, to listen to Solomon's wisdom.

When we consider the circumstances surrounding the heritage of Solomon, we see the love of GOD and the fact that each person stands on his or her two feet.

King David and Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, had an affair. This affair resulted in Bathsheba getting pregnant. David attempted to get Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, who was off fighting back to sleep with her. Uriah being a dedicated soldier refused to sleep with his wife.

This called for plan two. King David had Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, placed in a position in battle knowing that he would be killed. Once Uriah was killed, David took Bathsheba as one of his wives. The child conceived in that adulterous relationship died but they had a second child, Solomon. Solomon was in the lineage of JESUS, thus King David and Bathsheba were in the lineage of JESUS.

King David repented of his sin and GOD forgave him. This is an example, in Biblical history, that once a person repents for his or her sin GOD still has a plan. GOD’S foreknowledge does not predestine an event but is an example of how GOD is in all things to accomplish HIS plan of salvation through HIS only Son, JESUS. The lineage of JESUS can be read in Matthew 1:1-17.

GOD has a plan for each of us. Step one is salvation, which is through faith in JESUS. Salvation is the beginning of a life long journey of being made into the image of JESUS by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is step two. At the instant of salvation what takes place in our lives? 

Our sins are _____, We have ____ life, Indwelled by the  ____, Miracle of _____, become a member of GOD’S _____, Citizen of _____, Made _______ because our sins were placed upon _____, When JESUS died, we died, were buried, When GOD raised JESUS from the physically dead, HE also raised _____, GOD also seated us next to ______ in heaven. What else needs to be added to this list?

If you have never asked JESUS to forgive you for your sins, now is that moment. Eternity is but a heartbeat away. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Second Nature (1) - Caleb:Unwavering Faith - Numbers 13:26-30; 14:6-10, 21-24 - October 15, 2017

Bible Study – Second Nature (1) – Caleb: Unwavering Faith – October 15, 2017

This is lesson one (1) in our series entitled “Second Nature: Choosing 

CHRIST-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World.”

Our focus scripture is Numbers 13:26-30; 14:6-10, 21-24.

CHRIST-centered living chooses trust in GOD, not in circumstances.

When Christians look at their circumstances, often they are defeated because they do not consider the power of GOD.

We have to be careful. Some of our circumstances are the result of our doing. Even then GOD will do all HE can for them to turn out better than they would, if we do not call upon and trust HIM to come to our assistance. Consider Romans 8:28:

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

It is not things that determine our destiny in life. It is GOD Who is in all things working to bring good. It may not be what we think is good but what GOD thinks is best for us in our situation. This is trust in our LORD.

Keep in mind that GOD never abandons us but is always working to bring us closer to HIM.

When we are outnumbered; what will we do? This is the basis for our lesson. 

Will we go along with the majority or stand firm trusting GOD? Caleb and Joshua were outnumbered 10 to 2. Let’s explore!

For background, let’s read Numbers 13:1-2:

Scouting Out Canaan: GOD had delivered the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. HE had revealed Himself and HIS power through the plagues in Egypt, in the pillar of fire at night, in the cloud cover by day, parting of the Red Sea and HIS presence upon Mount Sinai. Upon Mount Sinai, the Israelites heard the voice of GOD when HE spoke to Moses. Now, the Israelites were approaching their final destination, The Promised Land. GOD spoke to Moses ---

1 The Lord spoke to Moses:

2 "Send men to scout out the land of Canaan I am giving to the Israelites. Send one man who is a leader among them from each of their ancestral tribes."

The LORD organized this scouting trip. Moses chose one person from each tribe, thus twelve (12) men were chosen to scout the Promised Land. What were these spies to look for?

Let’s read Numbers 13:18-20:

18 See what the land is like, and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.

19 Is the land they live in good or bad? Are the cities they live in encampments or fortifications?

20 Is the land fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous. Bring back some fruit from the land." It was the season for the first ripe grapes.

GOD knew all about the Promised Land, Canaan but HE wanted the Israelites to know the magnitude of GOD’S power and vision for them as a nation under HIS care. GOD’S desire was for them to be excited about the land HE was giving to them. So the twelve scouts entered the Promised Land and explored it for 40 days. What did they find?

Let’s read Numbers 13:26-33:

Report about Canaan

26 The men went back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite community in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for them and the whole community, and they showed them the fruit of the land.

27 They reported to Moses: "We went into the land where you sent us. Indeed it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is some of its fruit.

GOD desires the best for HIS chosen but HE expects HIS chosen to take action based upon HIS leadership, guidance and trust. What they saw measured up to GOD’S promise but they must go forward, trusting HIM to obtain it. Often, we as Christians want our blessings without having to trust GOD. Just zap us with Holy Dust and make us into these Spiritual giants without us having to do anything. The fear of failure looms over us. Life is filled with uncertainties but when GOD reveals that HE is our guide, protector and shield what will we do? We must watch out for the “however in life.” Not saying to blindly follow our own desires but depend upon GOD’S leadership.

28 However, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak (giants) there.

In our lives there will be obstacles and giants. The key is following GOD’S leadership. When HE tells us to stay, then stay but when HE says move forward, then move forward under HIS leadership, care and trust.

29 The Amalekites are living in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan."

30 Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, "We must go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!"

Caleb knew as soon as the Israelites began to focus upon the issues they would encounter that they were headed toward a negative decision. Simply, where is your faith in GOD? GOD has led us to this very place that HE promised to us. You have witnessed HIS presence, power and care, we, as people of faith, have no alternative except to go forward under HIS leadership and guidance to obtain HIS gift to us.

Caleb in essence was saying, “Why would GOD lead us to the land HE promised to us and not give us success? Now, is not the time to abandon GOD.”

31 But the men who had gone up with him responded, "We can't go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!"

Then there is the “but” in life. It is true we cannot go up against the giants and stronger issues in our lives but GOD is greater than anything life throws our way when we are led by GOD. When life throws us such issues that is when we must trust GOD and HIS power, guidance and leadership.  

32 So they gave a negative report to the Israelites about the land they had scouted: "The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size.

The negative report of the ten scouts painted a dismal picture based upon human effort. The naysayers prevailed and in case they had not convinced the majority to vote “no,” they threw in one additional obstacle. There are giants in the land, as we read on ---

33 We even saw the Nephilim there." (The offspring of Anak were descended from the Nephilim.) "To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them."

They measured their success by what they saw rather than by GOD’S ability.

Let’s read Numbers 14:1-10:

Israel's Refusal to Enter Canaan

1 Then the whole community broke into loud cries, and the people wept that night.

2 All the Israelites complained about Moses and Aaron, and the whole community told them, "If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!

3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and little children will become plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?"

4 So they said to one another, "Let's appoint a leader and go back to Egypt."

How sad when GOD’S chosen fail to trust HIM for victory over the giants and obstacles along life’s journey.

Does this happen today? It sure does. GOD uses the giants and insurmountable obstacles in our lives and in the lives of churches to reveal HIS care and love for us.   

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell down with their faces [to the ground] in front of the whole assembly of the Israelite community.

Moses and Aaron knew the Israelites had rejected the gift that GOD had provided and knew there would be consequences. Unfaithfulness always has consequences. This is true for us, as Christians, and the leadership of organized churches.

6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes

The tearing of their clothes was an outward sign of their frustration with the Israelites’ lack of faith and trust in GOD Who had revealed Himself so vividly along their journey to the Promised Land.

7 and said to the entire Israelite community: "The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land.

8 If the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us.

9 Only don't rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us. Don't be afraid of them!"

Joshua and Caleb made one last attempt to get the Israelites to trust GOD and move forward to obtain GOD’S gift. The Israelites had witnessed and experienced the presence of GOD since HE delivered them from Egypt. They begged them to look beyond their ability and trust GOD. WOW! But what was the response of the Israelites?

10 While the whole community threatened to stone them, the glory of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the tent of meeting.

Often, when the few do not go along with the majority, the majority are ready 

to annihilate the few who don’t go along with their conclusion. When the majority fail to trust GOD, all suffer the consequences. The Israelites had rejected GOD’S gift to them and HE was not pleased. When GOD is not pleased, there will be consequences.

As we read on, we get to see some of the options GOD was considering.  

God's Judgment of Israel's Rebellion

11 The Lord said to Moses, "How long will these people despise Me? How long will they not trust in Me despite all the signs I have performed among them?

12 I will strike them with a plague and destroy them. Then I will make you into a greater and mightier nation than they are."

GOD gave Moses an opportunity to receive the promise HE made to Abraham. Moses’ family line could become the chosen to be honored by GOD. It was an opportune moment, what would Moses do? Was GOD testing Moses? 

GOD’S offer came immediately after GOD was very upset with HIS chosen people. Would Moses accept GOD’S offer?

13 But Moses replied to the Lord, "The Egyptians will hear about it, for by Your strength You brought up this people from them.

14 They will tell [it to] the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, Lord, are among these people, how You, Lord, are seen face to face, how Your cloud stands over them, and how You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night.

15 If You kill this people with a single blow, the nations that have heard of Your fame will declare,

16 'Since the Lord wasn't able to bring this people into the land He swore to [give] them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.'

17 "So now, may My Lord's power be magnified just as You have spoken:

18 The Lord is slow to anger and rich in faithful love, forgiving wrongdoing and rebellion. But He will not leave [the guilty] unpunished, bringing the consequences of the fathers' wrongdoing on the children to the third and fourth generation.

19 Please pardon the wrongdoing of this people in keeping with the greatness of Your faithful love, just as You have forgiven them from Egypt until now."

20 The Lord responded, "I have pardoned [them] as you requested.

The character of Moses was revealed. GOD forgave the Israelites for their lack of faith and trust. But forgiveness does not always mean there are no consequences. GOD forgives HIS children for their sins but they must live with the consequence of their sin. Murders can be forgiven but their victims are still dead and the loved ones of the victims devastated.

So what was the consequence for their sin? Let’s read on ---

Let’s read Numbers 14:21-24:

21 Yet as surely as I live and as the whole earth is filled with the Lord's glory,

22 none of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tested Me these 10 times and did not obey Me,

23 will ever see the land I swore to [give] their fathers. None of those who have despised Me will see it.

Some Bible scholars interpret “none of the men who have seen My glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tested Me these 10 times and did not obey Me,” as GOD’S way of stating numerous times from Egypt to the Promised Land, I revealed Myself to them.

But consider this ----. Was GOD referring to the ten scouts who witnessed HIM from Egypt to the Promised Land but failed to connect the dots regarding GOD’S protective power regarding HIS presence and deliverance? Were the ten scouts intimidated by what they saw through their eyes rather than through the eyes of GOD? Out of the twelve only two had complete faith in ME!

All twelve had the freedom to choose but were the 10 influenced by the majority? It is tough to go against the crowd and take an independent stand for what you believe GOD’S desires for you to do.

So, what did GOD reveal to Moses and Aaron?  

24 But since My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me completely, I will bring him into the land where he has gone, and his descendants will inherit it.

Caleb had a different spirit. Caleb was fully confident in GOD and HIS ability for success in the face of the physical observations. Caleb saw everything the ten saw but his GOD was more powerful than what he saw. What he saw was GOD’S ability. He placed his faith and trust in GOD. GOD loves it when HIS children place their faith and trust in HIM.

Although not mentioned here, Joshua also was a man with a different spirit. Joshua would lead the Israelites into the Promised Land 40 years later.

Consider the over 2 million Israelites, Joshua would lead across the Jordon River, on a dry riverbed during flood season. Then the priests, each carrying a trumpet, walked before the ark and Joshua’s troops following behind the ark walking around the mighty, well fortified walls of Jericho. On the seventh day, on the seventh time around the wall, the priests sounded their trumpets, Joshua commanded the people to shout and the mighty walls of Jericho fell down. 

That was GOD revealing to the Israelites what faith in HIM will accomplish. 

Nothing is too hard for GOD when we obediently serve HIM. HE uses the simple to confound the wise. (Numbers 14:24-35 records the consequence for the sin of the Israelite’s fearing to enter the Promised Land. e.g. men 20 years and older would not enter the Promised Land; wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.)

36 So the men Moses sent to scout out the land, and who returned and incited the entire community to complain about him by spreading a bad report about the land-

37 those men who spread the report about the land were struck down by the Lord.

38 Only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive of those men who went to scout out the land.

Joshua and Caleb had to wait 40 years before they would enter the Promised Land.

So how does this event resonate with you and your journey with GOD or you and your witness of church life?

GOD’S desire is for HIS children to stand firm and trust HIM as HE leads us through life’s obstacles and opportunities. It takes courage to stand against the majority. Be strong in the LORD and stand firm on truth! Blessings!!!