the ruminations of aaron eberline

In Numbers 13 and 14 we are continuing with the Israelites as they are sojourning with God. In chapter 13 God tells Moses to send 12 men to scout out the promised land to determine what the land is like. One man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel head out into the promised land. They spend 40 days scouting out the land. To give perspective on how amazing the promised land is the 12 men cut a cluster of grapes which was tied to a pole and required two men to carry it. That is an amazingly massive cluster of grapes. There were many strong people within the promised land who the Israelites would have to kill and cast out for them to take possession. The scouts collected all of the information they needed and returned to Moses, Aaron, and the people of Israel.

The reports of the scouts were tailored by 10 of the 12 men to instill fear of the land and doubt of God’s power into the hearts of the Israelites. Only Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to enter the promised land to take hold of the promise that God had given. In the end the fear and disbelief of the people overcame the people and they wished they had died in the wilderness or were back in Egypt instead of having to fight their way into the promised land. God became angered with the people and He said that anyone who was counted in the census 20 years or older would not enter the promised land. He would grant their wish to die in the wilderness just as they had grumbled. God removed His blessing to enter the promised land from everyone except Joshua and Caleb who were faithful to God.

This story has direct impact on our lives. Are you living a life of blessing right now in a promised land or are you in a wilderness? Is sin ruling your life? God wants to direct you into a life of freedom and blessing but when we look at our life we sometimes like the bondage to sin in Egypt was more alluring and easy or we see how difficult the promised land seems to conquer and we wish for death. The Israelites lacked faith to trust that God was able to make a way where there seemed to be no way. They grumbled and complained and sought to solve their problems themselves. There is power that is given to believers today because of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. Will you take hold of that promise and start the journey to enter your “promised life”? It means leaving behind sin and lust. It means learning to trust in Jesus Christ when the way seems impossible. It mean seeking to bring God glory in every aspect of your life. I pray that you can life your life under the blessing that God has given you. Start today by seeking out a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. Take time to read about the Truth in the Bible. When we know who Jesus Christ is we can have freedom.