It's Been Your Experience - Is That Right - Hmmm...

Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord's covenant moved from the camp - Numbers 14:44

The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. It is a little simplistic to say that this land was handed over to them freely. The Fact is, if you read the accounts of their travels the "giving" of it required the removing of peoples who were occupying them that had made themselves God's enemies. The removal process would be through land fought battles. The battles required a partnership between God and the Israelites. As long as the people worshipped, listened to and remained faithful to God, they were victorious.

In the above scripture Israel was camped at Kadesh Barnea. This was near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important geographic crossing point. However, as the story goes, only two men, Joshua and Caleb proclaimed in faith and belief in the promise of God, that it was possible to take hold of the land. These two men alone, out of 10, were the only ones who believed it feasible to take the land and conquer their enemies.

What of the other scouts? What of these other spies?

The other scouts added the enemies strength without consideration for God's strength and promise; they saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. Or, to put it another way, they refused to trust their God. The people of the camp of Israel shrank in fear because of the majority report from the other 8 naysayers. The Jews made a choice. They would not enter in.

God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on behalf of his Jewish brothers with God. Eventually the Jews understood their error but by then the season of God's favor had passed. Moses attempted to let them know it was no longer "ok." But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong with such a loving, kind, merciful and benevolent God.

The Jews presumed a simple, "sorry" was all that was necessary to make nice-nice with God.

Again, Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle. Hearing God's voice and understanding His wishes for our lives is personal and it is corporate. You and I have a life mission. We need to hear God on that. We are also to be a part of a body of Christ, a church and that church is to have a mission and fulfill it in God's timing and according to His will. We need to know what it is.

My loved ones and friends, it is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Our daily walk, our prayer, worship meditation, study will lead to a life where we become familiar and where we anticipate and receive His guidance. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors and expect it...

Ultimately Israel got to this point...If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here-Exodus 33:15

...and so should be our thoughts and prayers with God as well...I remain...

InHISgrip,
~J~