Scripture
By Sister Deborah Hillman
Scripture Lesson Text
Numbers 13: 1-3, 17-20, 25-33
Related Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 1: 1-28; Psalm 106: 1-25; 1 Corinthians 10: 11-13
This week’s lesson begins with Moses being given the task by God, of scouting out the land of Canaan for its richness of soil and the people. Twelve men were chosen from Israel’s tribes to represent their people on this fact finding expedition. Of the twelve men, ten returned with an less than glowing report. Caleb and Joshua spoke of the blessings that awaits Israel in the land flowing with milk and honey, as promised to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In Deuteronomy 1: 1-28, we see Moses remembers the journey of Israel, from Mt. Sinai to Kadesh Barnea. Moses appointed judges among Israel and instructed principles of righteous leadership. Psalm 106: 1-25 recounts how the Israelites rebelled against God and the mercy of God was greater than their sins. They had forgotten all that God had done for them which angered Him to the point where he wanted to consume them. God answered the prayer of Moses and the Israelites were spared.
1 Corinthian 10: 11-13 explains how Paul was writing to the Corinthian Christians, to take heed of the Israelites’ history. God reminds us that our temptation is not unique. God has promised to not only limit our temptation, but also provide a way of escape. The way of escape does not lead one to a place where one escape all temptation. The way of escape leads one to the place where we may be able to bear it.
Synopsis
By Sister Pamela Jones
In this story of twelve spies being sent to spy out the land, that was flowing with milk and honey we find the naysayers. Ten of the spies didn’t believe that they had what it took to be able to take the land that God had already promised to them. Even though they were first-hand witnesses of what they could have once they crossed over to Canaan, they were not believers. Deuteronomy 1:21 reads “see, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Upon seeing the size and strength of the people, their fortified land, and humongous fruit that had to be carried by two men, they were afraid. What they didn’t remember, was how God had successfully brought them out of Egypt. He parted the Red Sea, provided a cloud by day, fire by night, rained (so-to-speak) manna and quail from heaven on a daily basis, and many more miracles as they were on their journey to the promised land. Psalms 106:12-13 says “Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.” Instead, ten spies failed to see what they were about to inherit.
Thankfully, Caleb and Joshua had their eyes wide open to what God was showing them. Even though they saw the same giants that the other ten saw, they also embraced how awesome God’s promises were to give them such an awesome land. The people and cities didn’t scare them, because they knew the one and only, true, and living God, was able to give them over to the Israelites for defeat. These two men were not afraid of the challenge that stood before them, in the form of conquering the land that is rightfully theirs, because God said so! Caleb and Joshua saw what God saw: the Israelites inheritance!
Practical Application
By Minister Charlene Brown
Oftentimes we find stories in the scriptures that reveal the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in the lives of His people as in today’s lesson. Here we have the story of the mission of the twelve spies. God being all knowing and all powerful knew beforehand what these twelve would face and yet He commanded Moses to send them anyway. Isn’t that just like a loving and attentive Father, will allow someone to face such obstacles? Yet through it all God was faithful to His promises for the children of Israel to possess the land of Canaan, and that His will would be accomplished.
When we think about and meditate on the promises of God towards us it helps to empower us when we are faced with a situation that seems doomed from the start. That’s when we must look at the situation through different lenses, because our natural eyes and our flesh often discourage us, as seen through the report of some of the spies. When we adjust our vision and see obstacles through the lense of faith filled eyes, it is then that we are reminded of who we are and who God is. We call Him the Almighty One, the one who is all powerful, all knowing and everywhere at once.
The lesson goes on to reveal that the spies were discouraging the people by suggesting that they could not inherit the land promised by God. God placed in their midst one who trusted Him, by the name of Caleb. Caleb disagreed with the others and stood on God’s promise no matter how bleak it looked. This is why it is so imperative that we know God for ourselves, and develop a personal relationship with Him by spending quality time, praying and studying His word. Always look to the one who knows us better than we know ourselves, for God will not lead us astray, he will order our footsteps into the path of righteousness for His namesake.
