Read Numbers 13-14.
The Israelites had camped in the south and prepared to go
north into the land of promise. But
before they did 12 spies were chosen for a reconnaissance mission. Their job was to assess the land, the people,
the agriculture, the cities, and economic conditions. Their charge was to "be of good courage
and bring some of the fruit of the land." (13:20)
Forty days later the men returned with their report. They all saw the same things. The problem was not with the facts but with
their faith. Ten of them felt based upon
what they saw "we are not able" to go forward. Two, Caleb and Joshua, stated "we are
well able." Who was factually correct? Both!
Who was spiritually right? Caleb and
Joshua. Why? God said they had a "different
spirit" and "followed me fully." (14:24)
There are times when one may be factually correct and
spiritually wrong. This is one of those
times.
The report from the ten is called "bad". In the King James the word is translated
"evil" as it was meant to undermine and defame the will of God for
this nation. Then, they began to
exaggerate their findings with intent to discourage the people even more
(14:32-33). This resulted in the people
being so disillusioned that they announced their desire to choose their own
leader and go back to Egypt !
Their disillusionment came from two root issues: rebellion
and fear (14:9). God wanted to immediately kill them
all for their ingratitude and unbelief in Him. But Moses' interceded. The result was that all ten spies died of a
plague and the rest of that adult generation would never see the land. They would die as they wandered in the
wilderness one year for each of the forty days the spies were in the land. The LORD was not going to change His promise
or His plan. Instead, He would work with
the next generation who would obey Him.
Lessons for leaders.
1. Never take anything to the congregation without the
leaders being united in mind and heart.
Dr. John Maxwell taught, "The meeting before the meeting
determines the outcome of the meeting."
2. A divided leadership leads to a divided congregation 100%
of the time and destroys the God-given potential.
3. Another Maxwell principle: Leadership is influence. When a leader says something they affect the
faith or fears of others around them, whether formally or casually. Leaders are/will be held accountable for the
stewardship of the influence God gives them.
4. Without obedience to the Word of God, people will cast
off restraint and plunge into sin. This
is the correct meaning of Proverbs 29:18 (see NIV, ESV or NAS translations).
5. Nothing in more important in leadership than intercessory
prayer. This is servant leadership at
its best.
6. The sin was forgiven but the consequences remained. Grace? Yes.
But they forfeited the blessings God wanted to give and had prepared for
them.
7. The will of God is not determined by a popular vote. A majority vote in this story would have
resulted in the stoning of godly men and the nation trying to return to slavery. There are times when those faithful to the
LORD must stand for what is right in the face of an opposing majority.
Some serve in difficult places and endeavor to lead
difficult people. As with Moses, God
sees, hears, knows, and will reward faithful stewards. Hebrews 6:10 says it best, "For God is
not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his
sake in serving the saints, as you still do."
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