Believe the promises of God

Friday 6 October 2023

“We have gone into the land where you sent us. Truly it is a land flowing with milk and honey, and these are the fruits thereof.” Numbers 13. 28 Segond Version 21

Believe the promises of God

Reading the beginning of chapter 13 of the book of Numbers suggests that God takes the initiative of sending twelve princes to recognize the land of Canaan. But the account of this event in Deuteronomy 1. 21-25 specifies that it was the Israelites who wanted confirmation of God's promises, because they were worried. This account seems to indicate that God can let us have our experiences, even if he does not approve of them, to train us for our good.

The spies' findings on their return were unanimous : "It is truly a country flowing with milk and honey, and here are the fruits." God spoke the truth. But ten out of twelve add a serious restriction : the conquest of the country is impossible. Only Joshua and Caleb believe that God will give them the promised land.

The Lord is distressed by the contempt of the people who rebel despite the concrete signs brought by the spies (Numbers 14. 11). Like the Israelites, don't we sometimes lack confidence in God ? This can manifest itself :

- by dissatisfaction with what God gives us, complaints, criticism.

- by disobedience to the will of God.

- through fear, forgetting that God supports us and grants us what he has promised. This lack of confidence is an offense which characterized the ten princes sent to reconnoitre the torrent of Eshcol.

Faith honors God. She knows the power of the enemy but she believes in God's victory : "If the Lord is favorable to us, he will lead us there and give it to us [...] do not be afraid of the inhabitants of this land [ ...] the Lord is with us” (Numbers 14. 8, 9). A little later, the people confess their sin, God forgives because of his great goodness, but the consequences are not erased. Even Joshua and Caleb must participate in 40 years of wandering in the desert, before taking possession of the land.

The test of faith, a source of suffering, produces patience and prepares one to receive what God promises. Let us be convinced, every day, of the faithfulness and power of our God. He only desires our highest good.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)