Change Is Necessary

Then the two spies came down from the hill country, crossed the Jordan River, and reported to Joshua all that had happened to them. “The Lord has given us the whole land,” they said, “for all the people in the land are terrified of us.” [Joshua 2.23-24]

What changed from the time the first twelve spies scouted Canaan until this account where two spies scouted Jericho?

Well, for one thing, forty years had transpired. Also, all those who were negative before were now dead. There had been some changes in the people of Israel.

Like with Israel, so now with us that change is necessary for us to 'occupy the land' God has given us. We must have a change of heart to confidently believe that God is our everything and will provide for, protect, and keep us regardless of the circumstances. As a matter of fact, the circumstances will likely be daunting regardless of our attitude - but daunting circumstances simply provide the platform upon which God will show Himself strong!

Just as a side note, it worthwhile to point out and understand that the two spies were not scouting for themselves but for all Israel. Too much of the time, we Christians 'scout the land' only for ourselves and forget that our mission is one of plurality with the entire body of Christ. God's promises quite generally involve groups of people more so than just individuals.

So, change is necessary. A change of heart. A change of focus. If we are to see God's hand move mightily on our behalf, we must believe that He will do so and remain focused on the whole of which we are part and not just our individual interests.

Father, You have been faithful to provide more than ample promises for us as modern believers to act upon. Help us to find the change of heart necessary to believe what You have said over what our eyes see and our ears hear. Likewise, help us to remain acutely focused on the good of the Body of Christ and not ourselves!