Almost every major issue in America is tested by public opinion polls. Opinions on war, economics, marriage, parenting and just about every matter of significant interest is evaluated by surveys and polls. The results are generally assumed to indicate the will of the American people and it is implied that we ought to honor the majority opinion. We put a lot of stock in the will of the people. Our country is ruled by the people and not by a monarch. But we need to remember that though the majority may rule, the majority may not always be right. This came home to me when reading the story of the spies who were sent to investigate the promised land before the Israelites attempted to move in. The spies came back after 40 days of evaluating the conditions of the land and its inhabitants. Ten of the twelve spies complained of giants and fortresses and protested that the dangers were too great. Two of the spies (Joshua and Caleb) acknowledged the dangers but spoke out with confidence that the Lord was fully able of giving victory over the challenges. Numbers chapter 14 records the response of the people. They chose to follow the message of fear given by the majority of the spies, rather the message of faith delivered by two. The thought today is to make sure you are not following the crowd, particularly the crowd that opts for shrinking back in fear. The right way may well be proclaimed by a few, who have learned to look past fear and grasp, in faith, the strength in God's arms. Remember, as believers, we each have direct access to our Lord!
Numbers 14
1 That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt."
5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
10 But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites. 11 The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? 12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they."
blessings (and Happy Fathers's Day),
Rob Smith
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