When people won't listen

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 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. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.  – Numbers 14.6-9

This is really sad. Despite the Joshua and Caleb about all the milk and honey in the land and the wonderful fruit that is there the people decide not to go. Sight wins out over faith.

But let’s take a moment to look at Joshua and Caleb. Even though they did not win they are wonderful examples of faith and trusting God. Their words are a challenge to us.

Now remember the task seemed impossible. Ten of the twelve spies came back saying ‘It can’t be done.’

Despite being outnumbered Joshua and Caleb, and especially Caleb, said ‘let’s go.’

It’s a good land

If the Lord is with us He will give it to us

Don’t rebel against the Lord

Don’t be afraid

The Lord is with us

Since Joshua and Caleb could not convince the people to go I suppose there is only on lesson for us – if are speaking the truth we need to do it no matter what everyone else says. Just because people aren’t going to listen doesn’t mean we should keep our mouths shut.

Joshua and Caleb will be rewarded for doing right and trusting God. We also need to speak the truth and do right and trust God with sorting the rest out.