Highlights In Today's Reading:
A valuable lesson is in today's reading making known the frightening dangers of disbelief so that the Lord is prevented from providing our needs.
The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel. . . . So they went up, and searched the land. . . . and came unto Hebron (13:1-2,21-22). The spies stood on the very site where Abraham had built an altar unto God (Genesis 13:18), but neither of these thrilling events entered into their report. It was at Hebron that Abraham had pleaded with God not to destroy Sodom (18:23) and later bought the cave of Machpelah and buried Sarah (23:17). And they returned (and reported). . . . the people be strong . . . and the cities are walled, and very great (Numbers 13:25,28). Because of their unbelief, they could only see the high walls and the giants. If they had recognized that God is Almighty, as Joshua and Caleb did, they could have conquered and possessed this promised land.
Dependence upon human reasoning and physical strength instead of committing oneself to the Lord's work reveals a lack of faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises. Caleb . . . said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it (13:30).
A two-fold principle for believers to recognize is that Satan is always present to discourage and seeks to defeat every desire of the believer to trust in the Lord. Spiritual victories are never obtained without the faith of Caleb who said: Let us go up at once. The high walls and the giants were excuses that revealed their lack of faith. Those who trust God have no need to fear the giants and high walls of mixed motives, selfish ambition, or worldliness confronting us. They have learned by faith to rely on Him for the outcome. We can inherit the promised land of divine privileges. These enemies within the heart can fall, as did the walls of Jericho, when we have faith to believe the promises of God.
The believer dare not presume to possess the promises of God by worldly means or schemes, as did Israel when they decided they would enter the promised land (14:44-45), and later they unsuccessfully attempted to take Ai without God's direction (Joshua 7:4).
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (II Corinthians 10:4).
Thought for Today:
Because you were bought by the blood of Jesus, think how valuable you are to God (Acts 20:28; I Corinthians 6:20)!
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses, who was very meek (humble), above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3). Jesus said: I am meek (gentle, mild) and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29).
Word Studies:
12:3 meek =humble, gentle; 12:8 apparently =clearly; in dark speeches =difficult to understand; similitude =likeness; 12:13 beseech =beg; 13:16 spy out =view; 13:20 fat or lean =fertile or barren; 13:23 brook =valley; 13:30 possess =conquer; 13:32 eateth up =destroys.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Jane Anderson • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Rep. Eliot Engel (NY) and Sen. John Warner (VA) • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is merciful and forgiving (Daniel 9:4-9).
Optional Reading: Luke 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:2