One Year Bible - March 22

‍Scriptures to read:

Matthew 20:1-16, Numbers 13-14, Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

In Numbers 13, God tells Moses to 'Send some men to explore the land of Canaan which I am giving to the Israelites' (Numbers 13:2). It took forty days for the exploration of the land, and then the report was given. Sadly, ten of the twelve spies seemed to have lost sight of God's promise and nature, so their view of reality was distorted. In consequence, the obstacles seemed too great, and they were overwhelmed with fear.

Firstly, they saw fortified cities, powerful people, and giants. Secondly, they saw themselves as grasshoppers and were convinced that the people of Canaan also saw them in that way. A battle between giants and grasshoppers would be a losing battle. They hadn't learned to see themselves through God's eyes. They were His people, dearly loved and chosen out of the nations as His special possession to fulfill His special purpose. Faith in Him would bring victory. They could take the land, but they were filled with fear and ended up the grasshoppers they feared they were, wandering in the desert for 40 years.

Caleb had a different spirit (Numbers 14:24), and he spoke words of truth to the fearful Israelites. 'We should go up and take possession of the land for we can certainly do it (Numbers 13:30). To him, the giants appeared as grasshoppers because he saw them through God's eyes. He wasn't crippled with fear because his trust was in the unfailing promises of the unfailing God. Grasshopper or giant - how do you see yourself? Like Caleb, we can have and faith in the promises of our God.

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Memory Verse: Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. - Numbers 13:30

Prayer: Jesus, I bring my fears to you today; help me to put trust in your unfailing love. Please remind me of the promises you've spoken to me through your word. I am your child and chosen and loved by you.