CENTRAL THOUGHT
To doubt and deny the word of God will result in disobedience.
TEXT: NUM. 13:1-33
INTRODUCTION:
At the very borders of the Promised Land, Moses had to send out twelve spies to search out the land and bring possible evidence of the fruitfulness of the place to camp. The reaction to their report brought much distress in the camp of God’s people. Some even resolved to elect another group of leaders who would take them back to slavery in Egypt. By their report, the people who were already in sight of the promised land had to wander for many more years in the desert as punishment from God.
The spies were trusted leaders elected from all the tribes. However, it backfired when ten of the twelve gave an evil report of the Land. Their report confirmed that the land was indeed good but went on to arrogate much strength to the enemy and great cowardice and fear came upon God’s people. No reference was made to their experiences with God right from Egypt. This was their undoing and great error.
This study will examine the mission, the reports of the spies, and the lessons it holds for us today.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
- Explain the mission to spy on the Promised Land.
- Examine the reports of the spies in line with God’s revelation
- Examine the reactions to and the effects of the reports
- Identify some present day giants and “walled cities” around us
- Discuss how to overcome the “grasshopper” mentality
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1A) EXPLAIN THE IDEA OF SENDING SPIES INTO THE LAND OF CANAAN?
Num. 13:1-3; Deut. 1:21-24
From a strategic point of view, it was not a bad idea to send men to search out a future inheritance. The suggestion seems to have been first muted by some leaders to Moses, who acceded to and must have obtained God’s approval. God specifically directed that those to go on this mission must be respected leaders, one from each tribe. This was a design adopted to make a good report to have maximum positive impact on the generality of people.
QUESTION 1B) WHAT WERE THE TERMS OF REFERENCE GIVEN BY MOSES TO THE TWELVE SPIES? Num. 13:17-20
The terms of reference as given by Moses was very specific and came under three heads and a general charge. There were:
(a). To spy the land and the natural resources, whether it be good or bad, fat or lean, and to bring back the fruit of the land.
(b). To spy the technology of their cities, whether they dwell in tents or strongholds, whether their cities were fortifies and walled or not.
(c). To spy on the people, whether they be weak or strong, and whether they be many or few in number.
(d). They were charged to be of good courage – to use the eye of faith in this assignment, bearing in mind God’s revelations and previous acts from Egypt until then.
QUESTION 2A) EXAMINE THE REPORTS OF THE TWELVE SPIES IN LINE WITH GOD’S EARLIER REVELATION. Ex. 3:8; Num. 13:26-33
God specifically promised them a large, good land, flowing with milk and honey (fertile and full of resources) and presently occupied by some Canaanite nations. God said He would drive them out in His own way.
The report of the spies gave a perfect confirmation of the nature of the land and the then occupants. They also reported on the strength of the cities and the type of humans in the land. All twelve spies agreed on this part of the report.
The second part of the report was the interpretation of what they observed. The majority report was the assessment by ten of the spies. The major points were:
(i). We are not able to go against them
(ii). They are stronger than us
(iii). It is a land that devours its inhabitants
(iv). The people we saw are men of great stature
(v). We are like grasshoppers in our eyes and in theirs
These five points greatly troubled and unsettled the whole congregation.
The minority report was by two of the spies – Caleb and Joshua. The summary of their assessment was, “If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey”. These were three powerful statements of faith and grace.
QUESTION 2B) WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE ASSESSMENT OF THE TEN?
There were major deviations in the report of the ten. Some of them are presented as follows:
(i). Their assessment totally ignored God who had seen them through greater challenges.
(ii). They neglected the charge of Moses to be courageous in their assignment.
(iii). They exaggerated the disposition of the enemy and belittles the strength of Israel and the provisions of God.
(iv). They forgot that they were not asked to suggest alternatives to the Promised Land.
(v). They presented a report of “total impossibility” which gave no chance of any hope.
QUESTION 3) COMMENT ON THE REACTIONS TO THE REPORT OF THE TEN BY (A) THE PEOPLE (B) MOSES (C) GOD.
The report by the ten spies elicited different kinds of reactions. Some were indeed very fatal.
(a). The people, the whole congregation, predictably, responded with outburst of emotions intentionally whipped up by the report of the ten, who were leaders and respected persons. With a loud voice they cried and wept all night. They chided Moses and Aaron and derided God for the seeming calamity. They suggested electing new leaders to return them to Egypt. (Num. 14:1-10)
Joshua and Caleb openly distanced themselves from this rebellion and restated their faith in God and in the mission to the Promised Land. They were to be stoned to death if it were not for the sudden appearance of the glory of God over the tabernacle.
(b). Moses and Aaron (Num. 14:5; 13-19), fell on their faces in grief at the sin of the people.
Moses interceded fervently for the people and entreated God not to destroy His own, for such would be misrepresented as weakness on the part of Jehovah by the heathens because of His inability to bring them into the Promised Land.
(c). Reaction by God (Num. 14:11-12; 20-24). God was disappointed that despite all the wonders of Egypt, the leaders still didn’t believe. He threatened to disinherit them and raise another nation through Moses. He later pardoned them, but decreed that those who brought the evil report, and those adults who accepted their report, would not enter the Promised Land. Caleb and Joshua were spared. Caleb was also promised an inheritance in that land.
QUESTION 4) GIVE EXAMPLES OF “GIANTS” AND “WALLED CITIES” ENCOUNTERED BY BELIEVERS TODAY.
In the context of this question, giants refer to opposition and enemies of high standing, seemingly impossible to defeat and whose appearance invoke terror. “Walled cities” refer to obstacles on our way to fulfillment, which are seemingly impenetrable. There are numerous examples of such giants and walled cities confronting believers today. Some of them are marital challenges, health challenges, insecurity, upsurge in idolatry, ritualism, cultism, indebtedness, cost of living and family bills, progress in desired vocations, etc. All these are stoppers and inhibitors to the fulfillment of many believers, but the Lord is greater and stronger than them.
QUESTION 5) WHAT IS THE “GRASSHOPPER MENTALITY”, AND HOW DO WE OVERCOME IT? (Num. 13:33)
The grasshopper mentality is a king of mental perception which projects relative self-devaluation and ignorance or personal worth. It manifests in fear of the opposition, magnification of the terror of the enemy, low self-esteem, inferiority complex, and quick surrender. The grasshopper mentality avoids all forms of challenges and is ready to accept any form of bondage. It suffers from environmental contentment and does not aspire for expansions as long as there is an iota of risk. This mentality is common among some believers who compromise sin to avoid trouble or are not willing to step out of their comfort zones or practice their faith in secrecy so as not to step on ‘powerful’ toes or count themselves unworthy to undertake for God. They see nothing but danger, defeat, and failure in all their outlook.
It takes an experienced knowledge of God, which entails knowledge of the Word of God, leading of the Holy Spirit, and our experiences of His power in our daily walk with Him to overcome the grasshopper mentality. Knowing and experiencing the power of God in small things will propel our faith to trust God for victory over the giants. Being an active participant in Church and not a spectator will help us out. Genuine repentance, proper discipleship, keeping the right fellowship and company, and having a deep sense of gratitude will help us overcome the grasshopper mentality.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
The reaction to the people of the report of the ten spies displeased God, and it brought great misfortune to the Israelites. They forgot the words of God and all His antecedents. They saw giants in the enemy and grasshopped in themselves. Doubt and unbelief will always see difficulties, while faith sees victory.
Christian leaders must be very cautious in their pronouncements so that they do not weaken the faith of their members.
MEMORY VERSE: NUM. 13:30
“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses and said, ‘Let us go up at once and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.’”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: WITHOUT FAITH, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD.
Heb 11:6
TUE: IF GOD BE FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US.
Rom. 8:31
WED: BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE. Joshua 1:9
THU: BELIEVE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD. 2 Chron. 20:20
FRI: IF THE LORD DELIGHTS IN US… Num. 14:8
SAT: FOR WE ARE WELL ABLE TO OVERCOME. Num. 13:30