Yesterday we examined one of the more significant “crossroads” experiences in the Old Testament: the decision made at Kadesh-Barnea. The story is recorded for us in Numbers 13-14, and shares one of the saddest chapters in the history of God’s people. In the passage God commanded, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites…” (vv. 1-2). Unfortunately, the twelve men who returned bringing the report to the people were split in their decision about what to do next. While all agreed that the land was fair and blessed, only Caleb and Joshua stated that the nation should move forward and conquer the land, as commanded. The rest of the group, a wide majority of ten, opted to stay “as is” or even “go back to Egypt.” They failed to grasp the reality of God’s declaration and chose the “safe” response, at least in their opinion. Tragically, their choice cost them God’s blessing and their future, a future where God had invited them to join Him in a monumental and historical, world-altering task. All that they had to do was trust God, and He would take care of the rest. Instead, they chose not to do so, and as a result, no one in Israel over the age of 20, save Caleb and Joshua, were able to enter into the promised provision of God.
God invites us too to join Him in His world-altering work in this world. The question is whether we will be “grasshoppers” or “giant killers.”
How were Caleb and Joshua able to be giant killers in the midst of a mob who failed to do so? First, their faith gave birth to vision (13.30). “We should go up…” Caleb said, demonstrating his “sight” was found within his faith. Please note the order here! The world tells us “seeing is believing;” but God teaches us that “believing is seeing.” Caleb understood this and he remained steadfast in taking God at His Word (I am giving it to you…). The others were unwilling to risk because their hearts became captive to the giants, the obstacles before them. Unbelief always blinds us to God’s greatness and magnifies our own weakness! Rather, Caleb and Joshua were captive to their God and their hearts and eyes remained there. It all comes down to what you and I “see,” what captures our attention, too: the obstacles or our God. The answer to that question will make all the difference in what you and I do next.
Second, vision leads to courage (14.9). Caleb’s vision of God led him to step out in faith, while others shrunk back in fear. Seeing God prompts courage, while envisioning obstacles provokes cowardice. In an attempt to play it safe by remaining where we are, we run the greatest risk of all: being disobedience to the command of God. Caleb knew that if God asked for our obedience, He would give us the confidence and boldness we’d need, because He’d be leading the way. We wouldn’t have to worry about fear or giants or anything, because “when God gives the vision, He always brings the provision.” Therefore, you and I can be courageous in following Him.
Third, courage results in action (14.8). Caleb acknowledged that in the final analysis it all comes down to whether or not God is pleased with us. In other words, when God shares with us His vision, He is waiting to see what we’re going to do with it, how we’ll respond to it. Why God chooses to work through us human beings is beyond me, but He has amazingly given us that opportunity and privilege. Our response should be a wholehearted desire to please Him in all we do. If we are willing, it will always mean moving into action on His behalf.
In the final analysis, doing God’s will always requires us to enter new territory and face some “giants.” But all we are called upon to do is to trust God (simple, I know, but never easy); He’ll take care of the rest.
Helen Keller, the first deaf-blind person in our country to receive a bachelor’s degree from a university, became a prolific author, activist and lecturer. She once said, “It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” She was right. Twelve men went into Canaan on that fateful day many years ago, and ten of them came out with no vision–and we remember none of their names or influence to this day. Only two came out “seeing,” and God has used them throughout the years to teach us, even today, the importance of vision, courage and action.
So I ask you again, are you a grasshopper or a giant killer? Your answer may very well impact your future.
