The Idea Seemed Good
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:21-23
See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.”
The idea seemed good to me; so I selected twelve of you, one man from each tribe.
Observation:
Moses is recalling the journey from Egypt to within view of the promised land. He recounted their deliverance from Egypt and several of the miracles enroute.
When they drew near the promised land, God told them to go up and take possession of the land, not to be afraid or discouraged. Then the people suggested sending men to spy out the land and determine the route they should take.
The idea seemed good to Moses.
I always thought the spies were part of God’s plan, but this was a Moses idea? It seemed good, but was it? The consequences were staggering! Twelve men indeed spied out the land, discovering it was an amazing place, but inhabited by “giants”. Ten of the men introduced fear, uncertainty and doubt about God’s plan into the camp, causing a rebellion against Moses and against God. As a result, none of the adults of that day, except the two of the twelve men with a good report, entered the promised land. They died in the desert.
What if Moses had followed God’s instruction? “Go up and take possession” is pretty clear. There is no mention of sending anyone ahead to check it out. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Go.
Had they just gone...
Application:
When I have clear direction from God to go, along with His encouragement not to be afraid or discouraged, do I go? Or does it seem good to me to want more information about the destination so I can determine the route I should take?
The last couple of years of recession have been difficult. I have taken some bold (at least for me) steps where I thought the Lord was leading, but I wonder - did the Lord have something different planned for me? Did I get distracted? Have I inserted my own plans into the mix? Am I wandering in the desert because I didn’t go and take possession of the land the Lord has promised? Have I backed away because of fear or discouragement?
Where I have a leadership role, have I sought more information and clarity rather than going in obedience to the Lord’s call? Or have I chosen another option that seemed better?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for not always seeing or stepping out in obedience to your leading, and for following my own plans. Give me ears to hear your voice and eyes to see your leading... and bold faith to step out in obedience rather than worrying about the outcomes.
Created about 2 years ago
