Today you should read: Numbers 13
Numbers 13 is one of the best known and loved stories in the book of Numbers! You’ll recognize it. If you haven’t read it yet – stop now and go read it.
The children of Israel have fled from their slave masters in Egypt, been led by God supernaturally through the Red Sea, fed by Manna, having the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. And they’ve made it! They are finally at the land Promised to their ancestor Abraham by God Himself. A land flowing with milk and honey given to them as an inheritance.
Moses sends in 12 spies – one from each tribe – to check out the land, observe the enemy presence, and to come back and excite God’s people to move forward and take possession. They were to carefully explore the land (v.17) and bring back intel on what the situation was. What they found was amazing!
When they came to the valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes so large that it took two of them to carry it on a pole between them! (v.23)
But… instead of coming back confident, they came back scared. They provided negative reports of “giants” living in the land and 10 of the 12 spies said that they should run – not possess the land God had given them. Now again… what had God done? Had He shown Himself strong or impotent? Powerful or weak? Had He taken care of them or neglected them?
Only Caleb and Joshua believed in God for the victory. “Let’s go at once to take the land, we can certainly conquer it!” (v.30)
It’s super easy to criticize them on this side of the story, but ask yourself honestly – What would I have done? Maybe better said – what do I do?
Do I trust God for miracles when things seem difficult or impossible? Do I run at my problems with the power of the Holy Spirit or do I run from my problems? Who do I listen to – public opinion more or God more?
Take a moment right now and ask God to give you a heart like Joshua and Caleb. Pass it on to your children. Trust God for BIG things – He’s more than able! Rest in the promises that He makes – you can rely on Him!
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
God is honored when we intentionally seek Him in prayer. As a church, we want dependent prayer to be something that marks us. Use the comment section to post prayer requests and experiences of how God has answered prayer and/or changed you through prayer! If you would like to be enrolled to get weekly prayer reminders, text @cpclex to 81010.
JumpstartCPC.com 