After the spies returned from their reconnoiter of Canaan, their report was positive for the greatness of the land but ominous in regards to the perceived threat the people of the land posed. The positive aspect of their report certainly provided Yah’ s promise that the land of their inheritance was filled with milk and honey and that thrilled the children of Israel. The second half of their report however had a most damaging affect upon the majority; the very “woe is me” mentality and demeanour that we saw, that was characteristic of the people in previous chapters, resurfaced, casting a pall upon what should have been the chosen ones’ ultimate realization of their purpose. It quickly became clear that fear of the inhabitants of the land of Canaan far overshadowed the desire to possess the land of promise and end their months of travel and hardship. Indeed, for any other nation, the prospects of taking the land from such formidable inhabitants would be a virtual impossibility. Yet, the Children of Israel weren’t just any other nation. They were the people of the promise and despite their stiff-neck nature and obstinate behavior throughout the course of the nation’s journey from Egypt to just south of Canaan, Israel’s conquest of the land was an absolute certainty. Despite the undeniable knowledge that the Creator of the Universe was exclusively on their side and that no harm would come to the nation no matter what befell them in their efforts to seize the land, the people refused to move forward with the instructions of the Father. Despite the strong urgings of Caleb and Joshua, the people gave in to their flesh and rebelled. The people’s rebellion was such that they even threatened the lives of Aaron, Caleb, Joshua, and most of all, Moshe.
Yehovah’ s anger was kindled against the people as a result of their obstinate behavior and utter contempt towards Father. Yet Moshe’ s intercession on behalf of the people saved a nation from extinction. For me, I am utterly awed by the person of Moshe. Few men in history have possessed and exercised the patience, courage, and compassion that Moshe displayed to Yehovah on behalf of the people. These are the very people who sought to snuff out their leader and replace him with another so that they could return to Egypt and resume their lives of bondage. Yet Moshe prostrated Himself before Yehovah and pleaded for the salvation of the people. Indeed, one other man facing death bid a similar plea on behalf of His tormentors and murderers–Yeshua HaMashiach. Furthermore, we see clearly that Moshe possessed a relationship with the Father that was unique and unparalleled in the history of mankind up to this point. Moshe could speak to Yehovah face-to-face and Yehovah listened. Moshe reminded Yehovah what He said in the past, appealing to Father’s slowness to anger; His loving-kindness; the Father’s forgiveness; and His holy justice (Num. 14:17-20). Any other man living would have immediately been terminated. Yet Yehovah relented to Moshe’s petition. Moshe was indeed a true friend of the Father. Moshe knew how deeply hurt the Father had become over the repeated challenges of the people toward Him and their failure to “hearken to My voice…” (Num. 14:22)
Churchianity has taken away this attribute from their understanding of Father–that is the Father’s feelings. When we screw up; when we challenge; when we sin; when we act like fools before the Father under the false pretense that we’re protected under grace, we emotionally damage the Father. His heart is often broken over our stupidity and hardened nature, especially when He has put Himself out for us and we agreed to obey Him. We are so quick to kick Father to the curb to make our lives seemingly easier.
Additionally, how many of us from time to time are given opportunities that will bring us to the fulcrum of our existence? Yehovah promises us blessings and an inheritance. We are taken through the fire of our personal wildernesses where we are prepared to receive the blessings and inheritance. When it is time to take possession, we lose courage and reject that which Father has offered. This is what the chosen nation experienced.
These people (1) were disobedient, (2) lacked faith, (3) were not in alignment with Father despite the many months of wandering in the wilderness and witnessing the awesome wonders of Yehovah.
At this point in the process, not going in to possess the land of promise was NOT an option. The one chance the children of promise had to back out of the agreement was at the base of the Holy Mountain:
Moshe went up to God, and ADONAI called to him from the mountain: “Here is what you are to say to the household of Ya’akov, to tell the people of Isra’el: (Exo 19:3 CJB) ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. (Exo 19:4 CJB) Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine; (Exo 19:5 CJB) and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.’ These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra’el.” (Exo 19:6 CJB) Moshe came, summoned the leaders of the people and presented them with all these words which ADONAI had ordered him to say. (Exo 19:7 CJB) All the people answered as one, “Everything ADONAI has said, we will do.” (Exo 19: 8 CJB)
As it is with us, true Believers in Messiah, we are not privileged to say NO to Father. We knew when we accepted discipleship and was told of the expectations for us by Father, we chose to accept His gift and become His disciple. We weren’t coerced nor were we tricked into such an arrangement. We signed the dotted line of the contract which the possessor of the inheritance purchased with the blood of His son. We have been purchased with a price (Or don’t you know that your body is a temple for the Ruach HaKodesh who lives inside you, whom you received from God? The fact is, you don’t belong to yourselves; (1Co 6:19 CJB) for ye have been bought with a price: glorify now then God in your body. (1Co 6:20 DBY) You were bought at a price, so do not become slaves of other human beings. (1Co 7:23 CJB)
Millions of believers are under the illusion that nothing is required of them in this contract to eternity. Yet, we are required to be obedient to His laws, statutes, and commandments. In addition, we are required to participate in the Great Commission–no matter how big or small it may turn out to be, we must be about the Father’s business. Failure to do any of this will only disappoint the Father. As happened to Israel who rejected possessing the promised land, those of us who fail to do that which the Father has set before us to do can have dire repercussions; maybe even eternal repercussions. This example must not be taken lightly by us. Hesitancy to claim the land when directed to do so by Father must be acted upon swiftly and acted upon with faith, boldness, joy, and with total reliance upon the strong arm of Yehovah. May you seize the land in your life accordingly and may we use this prophetic shadow picture to our greatest spiritual advantage.
