March 05, 2020
God intends to be believed. It makes sense. He made us, has provided for our every need and is perfect in all his ways. But our greatest sin, the sin from which all others originate is our unbelief.
Unbelief always has its consequences. Faith is the singular operating principle with man towards God and without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore, unbelief disconnects us from God.
When unbelief is present, you may think you are sitting in neutral, but that is never the case. One thing begins to pile upon another, leading to a rapid descent.
THE BAD REPORT
The Hebrews had been gloriously delivered from Egypt and given the promise of a land of milk and honey. God fulfilled His promises and led them right to the edge of the Jordan.
Sadly, 10 of 12 men who were sent in to scout out the land came back with a simple statement of the reality of the land of Canaan. It was all that God had promised and more. But they left out one component: faith. It was a land of great fortifications and enemies. They let the worldly realities fill their vision and gave to the people a report that led to unbelief. Notice the progression that this unbelief unleashed.
DESPAIR: Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. (Numbers 14:1)
GRUMBLING AGAINST THE LEADERS: All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron (vs. 2)
REVISIONIST HISTORY: Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt? (vs. 3)
REJECTION OF GOD'S LEADERS and FOOLISH DECISIONS: Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt. (vs. 4)
LOSS OF GOD'S FAVOR AND BLESSING: Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed ... yet have put Me to the test...and have not listened to My voice ... (and have) spurned Me ... shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you ... their corpses will fall in this wilderness. (vs. 20-32)
Whenever you see these telltale signs, know that unbelief is the culprit. These are but unfolding symptoms of a foundational sin.
THE EXCEPTIONS OF FAITH
Two men, Joshua and Caleb had faith. They saw the land as God’s provision and His promises as true. “Do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our bread,” they proclaimed. “The LORD is with us; do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:8-9)
These two would eventually be the only two men who would enter the Promised Land out of all the others. God always rewards faith, but unbelief will never get us where we need to go and is a slap in the face of our promise-giving-and-promise-keeping God.
Are any of these signs of unbelief present in your life? If so, return to the Lord's promises and believe. Quickly repent and return to faith. You cannot afford, nor can your children, the sin of unbelief that will lead to years of wilderness wandering.
Our faithful God, thank You for being a God who can be believed. For Your absolute trustworthiness and truth. Forgive us for our unbelief. Lord, stir faith in our souls. Help us to believe You continually and fully. Today, show me where I can trust You. The promises to claim and land to conquer.
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