Our scripture this morning is Numbers 26:65 (NET).
For the Lord had said of them, “They will surely die in the wilderness.” And there was not left a single man of them, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
I have a hard time reading some passages in the Old Testament, but we need to understand that God certainly has cause to be angry with us. The Book of Numbers deals with some difficult scenes where the people disobey, lose their trust in God and even make idols for themselves. Earlier in this book we read “You will by no means enter into the land where I swore to settle you. The only exceptions are Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun” (Numbers 14:30). Today’s verse near the end of Numbers is the fulfilment of that judgement, that the “evil generation” has passed away and a new group will be the ones to take possession of the Promised Land. Caleb and Joshua were the two spies sent into the land who brought back an encouraging, faithful report, while the others were afraid to follow God’s instructions. God blesses our obedience, even when it is hard. We must be ready to accept His will over our own thoughts and fears.
Heavenly Father, we ask forgiveness for the times we doubt and fail. Strengthen us through faith and let us be Your face and hands to all Your children. Amen.
