Reading

• Num. 12:1-14:45

Devotional

As the Israelites were about to enter into Canaan GOD told Moses to have 12 men spy out the land. One man from each tribe of Israel was sent into the land. They traveled around for forty days before returning to Moses. When they returned, there was a mixed message:

“We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.”
(Num. 13:27-29 NKJV)

But Caleb stood up and disagreed, saying:

“Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”
(Num. 13:30 NKJV)

The people did not listen to Joshua and Caleb, but rather listened to the ten spies who doubted their ability to take the land. That night Joshua and Caleb tried once more to convince the people, but they wouldn’t heed them:

So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried…And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron…“If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why has the LORD brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces…But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.” And all the congregation said to stone them with stones.
(Num. 14:1-9 NKJV)

GOD immediately appeared to the Israelites and punished the people, forcing the nation to wander in the wilderness one year for each day the spies were in the land, until all those over 20 years old had died, except Joshua and Caleb. GOD was proud of Caleb’s stance for the truth, saying:

“But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it.”
(Num. 14:24 NKJV)

Those who have faith and trust in GOD during moments of uncertainty will be blessed. Determine to have a “different spirit” within you!