July 23, 2013
ARE WE THERE YET?
Numbers 14:1-10
Vance Gilmore
Central Truth
We must remember what God has provided for us in the past and claim it for the future.
Key Verse | Numbers 14:9
"Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them." (Numbers 14:9)
Numbers 14:1-10
The People Rebel
1 Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. 2 And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel. 6 And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” 10 Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel.
Dive Deeper | Numbers 14:1-10
Most, if not all, parents who have taken their children on a car trip have been asked, "Are we there yet?" Now granted, most trips are not 39 years in the length (though to some kids, the travel may seem that long). Their parents will most likely tell them, "We are not there yet, but I promise you, trust me, we will be there soon."
In Numbers 14:1-10, the "travelers" complained against their "drivers" (leaders). Based on false information, they became certain they did not want to finish the trip. The travelers wanted to return to Egypt, out of which Moses had led them. In Numbers 14:1-10, we have reactions to the information given by the faithless spies (Numbers 13:33), as well as reactions to the report of the faithful spies. In a sense, the bold words of the faithful spies say, "We are not there yet, but we will be." They speak of their faith in God and stress that the people will overcome the obstacles, because God has promised, and God provides. The land of milk and honey is theirs.
As you read this, I am encouraging the staff of Camp John Marc to finish strong. They have been at camp and away from home for almost three months, the temperatures have been hot, the camp food is getting old, the staff is a bit tired, and they are ready to go home. It is critical, however, for them to complete their journey and finish strong -- just as it is for all of us to have faith in God and complete our journey. He does provide.
We must remember what God has provided for us in the past and claim it for the future.
Discussion Questions
1. Have there been times when you lost sight of how God provides for us?
2. Have your ever lost trust in God because of fear, specifically fear of the unknown?
3. About trusting God -- what Scripture comes to mind regarding trust? To me it is Proverbs 3:5-8. How about you?