Wholly Following

My apologies for jumping around a bit, but I want to take a deeper look at what happened when the Israelites first came to the banks of the Jordan and refused to enter the Promised Land. The Lord had instructed Moses to send spies into Canaan and report back to the people. Among the spies were Joshua, Caleb and a leader from each of the other tribes. Upon returning, they described it as a land that "truly flows with milk and honey" and displayed samples of the giant fruit. But they also reported that the people who dwelt in the land were strong and had large, fortified cities. It was the land of the "ites" (Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Canaanites) as well as the descendants of Anak, otherwise known as the "the giants".

These were the facts of the situation. Caleb and Joshua had faith that the Lord would bring them into the land and conquer their enemies. But the rest of the spies gave a bad report and their fear was contagious. They said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we" (Numbers 13:31). "The congregation wept and complained against Moses saying things like "Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt"? (Numbers 14:3). Then they actually started making plans to return to Egypt! Wow- talk about a skewed perspective! What's going on here?

Why was it so difficult for them to enter the land of promise? Perhaps after 400 years of slavery it was hard for them to operate differently. They were used to being to being controlled by others. Even though it was miserable, perhaps that was easier than following the Lord into unchartered territory. Wandering in the wilderness also seemed safer and easier than going into battle, even if there was huge fruit at stake. We can shake our heads at their mistakes, but don't we often do the same things? Let's be honest..."wandering" is easier than "taking ground".

• It's easier to "walk according to the flesh" (letting those desires control us) than to "walk according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).
• It's easier to let our thoughts wander than to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:5b).
• It's easier to do whatever feels good than seek God for His purposes and allow Him to order our days.
• It's easier to turn to food, entertainment or people to satisfy our needs rather than to the true Source.
• It's easier to sleep than to spend time with the Lord
• You get the point

But oh....what we miss by opting for what's easiest or most comfortable. Joshua and Caleb had their eyes on the fruit of the promised land, and more importantly, the Lord of the Land.

"But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying "The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 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. 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 14:6-9).

Joshua and Caleb knew that it was not about their strength, but God's. It was not about what they would give up, but what they would gain. They had faith to "wholly follow the Lord". That phrase has been echoing in my head all week. What does it mean? A couple ideas:

1. They followed Him with whole hearts - their hearts were totally His. They were completely surrendered to His desires and purposes.
2. They obeyed completely - no changing their minds at the banks of the Jordan when things looked difficult. They said "Bring it on! If God is on our side, we will be victorious!"

Thought Question: Are there areas of your life where you are "wandering" or even trying to "go back to Egypt" (the ways of the world)? What are you afraid of? Begin to ask the Lord what the promised land looks like in your life. Let Him speak to you about the amazing victories and fruit He has in store for you and your family, if you will wholly follow Him.