(Part 4). “You can lead a horse to water...but you can’t make him drink.”

If there was one lesson that the modern church today has failed to learn, it is the one we will spend some time reading about today; but before we open up to Numbers 13-14, let’s review Exodus 23:20-33 one more time. God was laying out the plan to His people, through Moses, a plan I might add...has spiritual relevance for everyone who claims to be ‘of Christ’ today, since you’re a ‘seed of Abraham and heirs according to the promise’ (Gal. 3:26-29)

The days of God’s people living as ‘slaves’ were over. And He was going to send an ‘Angel’ to lead them into a new land where they would experience peace and rest, along with safety and prosperity. (Don’t let that last word rattle you either, 3 John 2)

Do you know what makes a person a ‘slave’... in God’s eyes? Answer: Anyone who commits sin (John 8:34). And the whole reason Jesus came to earth was to ‘set the captives/slaves free’ (Lev. 26:13; Luke 4:18; John 8:32,36;).

So the very first thing God informs His people of that they need to be fully aware of upon entry into this land ‘flowing with milk and honey’...was the fact there were indeed some formidable foes on the land, enemies who were much more powerful and stronger than them...the Israelites. (Ex. 23:23-24). He goes on to explain in detail as to ‘how’ these enemies will be removed from the land, and it was NOT an option. God even identifies them by name in vs. 23 and 28. Then, in vs. 29, He lets this important piece of intel be known: “I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beast of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you until you have increased, and you inherit the land (29-30).

As I mentioned a few days ago, there is another small detail woven through this passage that you will miss, if you read too fast: God says He ...will be the One to ‘cut them off’ (23) and ‘make their enemies turn their backs to you’ (27), and that He... would be the One to ‘drive them out from before you’ (29-30) along with the promise of ‘delivering the inhabitants of the land into your hand’ (31).

But then...we also read there as well...”you will utterly overthrow them...” (24) and “you shall drive them out before you” (31). Do you see that? It sounds as if this may be a ‘cooperative effort’ between both God and His people which the success of this operation depends solely on the condition that they ‘”indeed obey His voice and do all that He speaks’ (22). Would you take a moment and jot down and read - John 2:5; 10:27; Acts 3:22-23 and Heb. 5:9.

Then, be sure to underline Exodus 23:33: “They shall NOT dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” Please keep in mind, that the people really had no idea what awaited them, in regards to these ‘enemies’ that were on the land that God was going to drive out once and for all. They just liked all the promises they were hearing about (25-26) and jumped on board quickly with words of affirmation...”Oh yes...we will do all the Lord commands us!” (Ex. 24:3,7). You know...sort of like what we all did when we first came to Jesus and said: “Oh yes...I give you my whole heart and make you Lord of my life!” (Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46; Matt. 15:8; Deut. 8:2)

So now we are in Numbers 13, and the Lord directs Moses to select 12 men to go spy out the land they are going to take possession of, a land God clearly says “I am giving to the children of Israel” (13:1-2). So twelve men are chosen, representing each tribe, and they spend the next 40 days scouting out the land with specific instructions (17-21). Then, they return after forty days and bring back the report (25-33). I’ll wait while you read that now.

Yes, they did bring back a sampling of the fruit which they immediately showed to the congregation (26) and then quickly affirmed that the land was indeed ‘flowing with milk and honey’ (27). Yet...you can almost anticipate what comes next; the infamous ‘Yeah But’ song and dance. You know what I’m talking about- all the reasons why what was promised.. can’t happen. It begins with a listing of the various people who live on the land and how strong they are and how large and fortified the cities are etc. (28-29)

Caleb, one of the 12 spies who came back... attempts to redirect the narrative that his counterparts are running away with, and he is ready to move forward with God’s plan, assuring the people they are ‘well able to overcome’ whatever obstacles or challenges await them (30). Would you take a moment and now underline or mark in some way, verse 31- “But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we’.”

Stop. Right. There.

Who told them that? Who told them they could not go up against those people? It sure was not God!  That’s a question that seems to be on God’s mind often...when He hears some of the things that come out of our own mouths/hearts. (Gen. 3:11) “Who told you that?”

Do we need to hit the ‘rewind’ tape back to Ex. 23:20-33 when God clearly told them what the plan was and what the outcome would be if they listened to Him? And how did the people respond in Ex. 24:3,7? So what happened? But now the floodgates are open and the dogpile of negative reports and excuses begins with all their feeble reasons as to why they won’t be able to do...what God clearly told them...they would do.

It seems as if these people have taken their eyes off of what God said, and are now self-focused (33), which quickly spreads throughout the congregation...to the extent that everyone spends the night weeping, wishing they could go back to Egypt since clearly...Moses brought them out there to die (14:1-4). It cannot be understated the serious turn of direction that has occurred here, and it boils down to one thing: They are implying God lied to them. And friends...calling God a ‘liar’ is never a good idea. (Heb. 6:18). Join me tomorrow?