So how does God fit in with all this?

So yesterday we saw how God showed the envoys the joys of the Promised Land and how most of them then got cold feet. Joshua and Caleb tried to convince the people that it would all be worth it –

“The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”  Numbers 14: 7-9

And the people’s response?

But the whole assembly talked about stoning them.  Numbers 14:10

Of course, there is always resistance to change, but stoning them is pretty extreme. Changemakers are not all very popular and can make life uncomfortable for others who prefer never to step out of the comfort zone. Sometimes it is easy to see the changemakers off by opposing them at every turn, discouraging them, putting obstacles in their way and thwarting their ‘idealism’ with practical reasons why this particular plan will never work. Sound familiar?

The Israelites seem to have forgotten the role of God in all of this. God has been with them every step of the way, performing miracles to protect them and provide for them and deliver them from slavery. He has promised them this land flowing with milk and honey. They do not need to be afraid of anything, because God is with them.

And nothing has changed, you know. All things are still possible with God.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39

It’s all about trust, isn’t it? We’ve seen that before. God’s wonderful plan for the people will work if they can find it within themselves to trust Him.

And God’s wonderful plan for our lives will work if we can find it within ourselves to trust Him. Trust is a real issue in our society today. We generally do not learn how to trust God to provide for us and meet our needs, because we have everything we need. ‘Give us our daily bread’ is meaningless when we have cupboards full to bursting with more food than we can possibly eat. We save for a rainy day, pay into pension schemes and only have so many years left on the mortgage. We’ve got an army to protect us. And insurance to cover everything else. We’ve got it covered. What do we need God for?

Of course, I’m not saying that all these things are wrong. I’m just saying that because of these things, materially we have not needed to learn how to trust God. And then not everyone is in this privileged position of course. Just look at how the numbers needing to use the foodbanks is on the rise.

When life is comfortable, trusting God is more of an academic exercise. When life is tough, really tough, then trusting God becomes more of an urgent reality. I have had to develop a new level of trust in God on the darkest of days – when some days, all that gets me through is relying on God’s strength – ‘by the grace of God, we will carry on’.

That’s not what this passage is about though. This is about when things are just fine as they are, thank you – and then you get a glimpse of a fantastic opportunity, the seed of a dream taking root in your soul, something wonderful waiting for you out there…….and why would you take the risk of losing all that you have for something that may not work out? Is this really what God wants you to do? Will He really provide and protect and be with you?

Sometimes it works out. Sometimes it does not.

As Ros and Rebecca said yesterday in response to the blog –

Can I encourage people on the brink of ‘stepping out’ . 21 years ago while I had 4 young children, I had a dream to become a driving instructor (because it would allow me to work flexible hours mainly!) A few people pointed out the ‘bad bits’ but somehow I ignored those comments and went for it! There WERE hurdles to get over BUT I have been instructing for all this time and love it!! It has been great for the whole family too!  (Ros)

Love it. As someone who has taken risks and fallen flat on quite a few, I still believe my life has been more enriching as a result.  (Rebecca)

Some people find fitting God into the equation can confuse the issue – How do I know if it is the right thing? How will I know if it’s God’s will? How can I know if this is part of His plan for my life? How can I know if this is a God idea or just a good idea?

In my experience, I have come to realise that God cares far less about what I do and where I do it. It’s how I do whatever it is that is important. The energy and time I have wasted over the years overthinking and worrying about whether something is the right thing or not, I now put into getting on with whatever is before me. If I have a decision to make, I do pray that God’s will will be done – and then I leave it there! For example, I have a real dilemma at the moment – I’m waiting to hear on a wonderful job I’ve applied for, but really don’t want to leave my current job. I may well hear today. I have done a good job so far of not agonising over the outcome and not overthinking all the possible scenarios (although the nerves are beginning to kick in now). I do trust that whatever I end up doing, God will be with me  –

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Having God in the equation is a fantastic encouragement for me. Wherever I end up, I believe God is there waiting to greet me and walk with me. If it’s a complete disaster, then God will take my hand and help me get to my feet again. If it is wonderful, then we can celebrate together! Either way, we’re in this together!

So back to the people of Israel, who are about to stone Joshua and Caleb. God is not impressed –

“How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them? I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.”  Numbers 14:11-12

Exactly. Well said. Finally these moaning, grumbling, ungrateful individuals are going to get what’s coming to them. They deserve everything they get. They need to be taught a lesson.

Except no. Moses is in their corner. He speaks up in their defence. What will the Egyptians say? They’ll say that God has not been strong enough to deliver on his promises –

 “Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: ‘The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.’ In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.”  Numbers 14:17-19

So God relents. Well, sort of. None of those (over 20 at the time of the census) who saw his miracles in Egypt and then have continually complained along the way will enter the Promised Land. Yes, they are nearly there, but God will not allow that generation to see the Promised Land for themselves. Except for Caleb and Joshua.

Turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.  Numbers 14:25

A journey that should have only taken a couple of years will now take forty (one year for every day the tribal leaders spent exploring the Promised Land)! We sometimes take an awful long time to learn a lesson and move on too, don’t we?

When Moses reported this to all the Israelites, they mourned bitterly. Early the next morning they set out for the highest point in the hill country, saying, “Now we are ready to go up to the land the Lord promised. Surely we have sinned!”

OK, we’re sorry. Can we go now? Look we’ve said we’re sorry – why do we still need a consequence?

Moses tells them not to proceed, not to go up, because God is not with them.

They go anyway.

And they are defeated and have to retreat right back to where they started.

Oh my word! Will these people ever learn?

The Israelites need to listen to God. They need to trust. They need to obey.

Nothing has changed.

There are wonderful opportunities out there for each one of us to enter into. None of us have any idea what 2015 will hold.

What I do know is this.

We need to listen to God. We need to trust. We need to obey.

And then enjoy the ride!