The children of Israel had been out of Egypt only a few months when Moses gathered 12 men, and sent them as spies into the land of Canaan. They were to “…see the land…” (Numbers 13:18) and bring back a report. Also they were told to bring back some of its fruit. “…be ye of good courage…” Moses told them. (Numbers 13: 20)

They were gone for forty days, and traveled the length of the land. When they returned, they stood before Moses and all Israel to make their report. They carried a cluster of grapes so large as to have to be carried between two men on a staff. That’s a lot of grapes. “…the land…” they said, “…floweth with milk and honey;...” (Numbers 13:27)

But then ten of the spies turned their description to that which had most caught their attention, the present inhabitants of Canaan. In an exaggerated fashion, they told of great walled cities, and of giants before whom they were as grasshoppers.

“…they are stronger then we,” was their cowardly conclusion. (Numbers 13:31)

Two of the spies however, Joshua and Caleb, were filled with a different spirit. With faith, they “…stilled the people… and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13:30)

Unfortunately they believed the report of doom and gloom, and they wept all that night. The next day the children of Israel arose, and appointed a new leader and made preparations to return to Egypt.

Caleb and Joshua “…rent their clothes…” (Numbers 14:6) and with great courage stood before the people of Israel and pled with them to have faith in their God and “…rebel not…” (Numbers 14:9) In reply to their pleadings, the people sought to “…stone them...” (Numbers 14:10)

The Lord intervened and saved Caleb and Joshua, but Israel and especially the weak-hearted spies were cursed. One year for every day the spies searched Canaan would Israel wander in the wilderness, until all of that generation were dead. Only the children that faithless Israel said would be a prey to their enemies would be privileged to inherit the rich land. And so it was fulfilled.

Now I ask: Is it any different now? We are striving for a promised land that floweth with milk and honey. Yet there are those among us who lack vision, and see only the obstacles and dangers along the way. Continually we are bombarded by the negative and inundated by the gloom. Ah! – It’s enough to depress you.

And I tell you this is wrong! We are the children of God, and He has the power to see us through. To focus on the negative is like unto doing the evil. Both come naturally; they are the easy way, and they are of the evil one. We need to be aware of the obstacles – yes – but focused with faith on their conquering. This is pleasing to the Lord. As we are obedient of Him, there is no need to worry and be afraid of anything.

I close with Joshua’s inspired words: “Be strong and of a good courage: …” (Joshua 1:6)

Be not afraid.