Hebrews 12:28 says, “we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken.” Therefore, God is faithful to show us a variety of realities of His kingdom purposes. He shows us dynamics of His ways and intentions. In fact, one Bible story that illustrates the dynamics of receiving His blessings is the story of Him sending the twelve spies to explore and scout out the land across the Jordan River, the promised land.
RELEVANCE
Of the twelve, only two, Joshua and Caleb gave a good report. They all brought back great fruit from the land. They also told of the giants of the land. Ten, however, gave a bad report. They were filled with fear. They lacked vision and faith. They said relating to the giants, “we were like grasshoppers in our own sight” (Numbers 13:33). You could say they had a glass-half-empty perspective, or a negativity bias. So, they couldn’t receive God’s grace. Therefore, they would likewise find it difficult to receive all the promises and blessings God had put before them.
Joshua and Caleb, on the other hand, had a different perspective. They saw things from a lens of faith. They trusted in God’s power. They believed God loved them. Therefore, they could receive from God. It gave them inner strength and courage. They believed all things are possible with God. In fact, the Bible says they had a different spirit (Numbers 14:24). They had an overcoming attitude and mentality. So, they gave a good report. Hear their report.
“Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13:30)
“If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:8-9)
Yes, life is filled with challenges. So, God would have us regularly assess our perspectives to keep our relationship with Him in a healthy state.
REFLECT – RELATE – RESPOND
Do we see things through a lens of faith towards God and His abilities, grace and faithfulness or fear based on our own human shortcomings, worldly opinions, and negativity bias?
To what degree do we trust in God’s Word and see His eternal and higher wisdom and ways in it or see His word as merely fables?
Do we trust too much in our pain and wounds from life’s battles or the Comforter, the Holy Spirit Jesus said dwells in us to guide us in all truth and comfort us in His peace?
Do we live in our own presumptions or pursue God’s promises, realities and higher truths?
Do we have courage to put our faith into action or be paralyzed in fear?
Do we ask the Lord for His counsel and direction?
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
1 Samuel 23:1-5; 1 Samuel 30:1-8; 2 Samuel 5:22-25; 2 Samuel 21:1-5;
1 Peter 1 :10-12