What We Believe Is Evident In What We Say

The only exceptions are Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they have wholeheartedly followed the LORD.’ [Numbers 32.12]

As Moses was working out the issue with Gad and Reuben's tribes over where they would occupy, this statement came up. It was evidently a big deal.

Out of the twelve who "researched" the Promised Land, only two of them got to enter. I would think it not a mistake to verbally quantify this number as "few." In fact, only 16.67% of those who spied out the Promised Land returned to actually enter it even though they were all Israelites. 

The overwhelming implication of this information should cause the modern Church to pay attention - especially as Israel symbolizes the Church.. 

Jesus said this:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

Jesus also said this:

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” [Matthew 22.14]

Oh yeah, and Jesus said this:

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. [John 15.16]

So, let's remind ourselves what it was that kept 83.33% of the twelve from returning to the Promised Land: they verbally testified of their consequent fear because they did not believe God's Word above the circumstances.

In contrast, let's consider what the 16.67% said:

Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” [Numbers 14.6-9]

We might ascertain then that Numbers 14.6-9 defines what "wholeheartedly followed the LORD" means in Numbers 32.12 (the subject passage above).

There is much to be learned from what Joshua and Caleb said because of what they believed. Here are the high spots about Joshua and Caleb:

• They were humbly repentant for their group 'as a whole.'
• They acknowledged that it was necessary to please God to acquire the land but were willing to face the consequences if they did not.
• They considered the blessing of God a worthy endeavor.
• They spoke against the doubt and fear of the others.
• And, they spoke their faith (what God had already said) giving fear no foothold.

So, let's remind ourselves what it was that kept 83.33% of the twelve from returning to the Promised Land: they verbally testified of their consequent fear because they did not believe God's Word above the circumstances.

Wholeheartedly following the LORD is humble. Wholeheartedly following the LORD understands that death is a real possibility because of human failure but pursues God's will anyway. Wholeheartedly following the LORD makes a priority of God's blessings. Wholeheartedly following the LORD calls out doubt and fear in others. And, wholeheartedly following the LORD speaks what God has said with faith in the face of fear

Everything listed above we saw demonstrated in Jesus Christ: He wept at the unbelief of the people at Lazarus' tomb. He was unafraid to die - unafraid to "step out of the boat." He understood the importance of "seeking first the kingdom of God" for its blessings. He repeatedly questioned others for their doubt and fear. And, He always spoke God's Word regardless what the circumstances said.

Hebrews 11.6 says it well:

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. [Hebrews 11.6]

If we truly believe God exists and rewards those who sincerely seek Him, why would we not speak it in every circumstance - death not excepted! What we believe is evident in what we say.

Father, I am convicted about what I believe as evidenced in what I say. Forgive me for declaring the obvious curses of the world as I see them instead of declaring Your blessings in faith. Help me to catch myself before speaking for the world instead of speaking for You.