March 9

Giants in the Land

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 37:12-20 | Numbers 11:24 – 13:33 | Mark 14:22-52 | Proverbs 11:1-3

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Numbers 11:24-13:33

“‘We should take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it’. But the men that were with him said, ‘We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are . . . we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.’” (Numbers 11:30-31, 33 NIV)

They were standing at the doorway to the Promised Land. On the other side was a land flowing with milk and honey; a land of abundant produce. Would they step into the promise by faith, or would they doubt and lose out on the promise?

Twelve spies went into the land. Ten came back filled with doubt. Only two came back filled with faith and courage. Though they saw the same things and agreed that the land was indeed everything that God had promised, many saw the difficulties ahead and felt overwhelmed. Caleb and Joshua, however, believed that God would enable them to take the land.

The report was passed on to the people, and the people sided with the ten who doubted, not with the two who had faith. Because of that, a whole generation missed out on the promise. It could have been theirs, but they refused to enter in because of their lack of faith.

Caleb and Joshua suffered the consequences of the doubt and unbelief of others; they too had to wander aimlessly in the wilderness for forty years. But ultimately their faith was rewarded.

Some see the Promised Land. Others see only the giants. Some see the possibilities. Others see only the obstacles. Some enter into the promise. Others refuse the good things that could be theirs and wander aimlessly in doubt–missing out on the good gifts that were intended for them.

Don’t miss out. “We should go and take possession of the Land, for we can certainly do it.”

Almighty God, give me faith-filled vision to see the promise fulfilled and not be distracted by the obstacles. Help me trust you to keep your promises knowing that you are always faithful. Amen.