DO NOT REBEL AGAINST THE LORD WHO IS WITH US

Numbers 14:1-10 / Keywords 14:9

Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."

 1 That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” 4 And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

10 But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the Israelites. 

1. The whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron after hearing the bad report by ten leaders. God had promised to give them the land (13:2), yet they still did not trust God. In their fear, they doubted God’s love. They wanted to take matters into their own hands and return to Egypt, the land they had suffered as slaves! Our words have a great impact, and must not be spoken casually. We must greatly consider the influence of what we say in community (Eph 4:29), and not plant doubt.

 

2. Moses and Aaron did not side with the majority rule. Nor did they begin to fight and argue. They fell down on their face, demonstrating submission to God and humility to people. They hoped to help the people overcome their fear. Joshua and Caleb reminded the people that God is with them; it is not their power that will overcome their enemies, but the mighty hand of God. Their fear made them rebellious and even violent against Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb. Our community, the Church, is ruled by God through his Holy Spirit, who is working for our good. How do we respond to a bad report? We should not grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30), but remember God’s promises, pray, and trust him.

 

Prayer Father, your plans are for our good, even when they are difficult. Help us live by faith and not doubt your good plan. Help me pray and guard my heart from fear.

One Word Trust and obey God who is with us