Synopsis

The Trail of Deep Faith - God Rewards

Scripture Passage: Numbers 13 and 14

• Story time

As the people of Israel journeyed towards the promised land, they encamped in the Desert of Paran. The Lord said to Moses to send out some men, one from each of the 12 tribes, to explore the land of Canaan. So they went up and explored the land and returned after forty days. 

In front of the whole assembly they gave an account to Moses. They said the land did flow with milk and honey but the people who lived there were powerful with the cities large and fortified. 

Then Caleb said that they should go up and take possession of the land for they could certainly do it.

In contrast, the other men were afraid of the people living in the land as they were of great size. 

At this all the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron saying, “If only we had died in Egypt or in this desert…. Let’s choose another leader and go back to Egypt.” Then Joshua, son of Nun and Caleb, son of Jephunneh who were among those who explored the land tried to convince the people by saying, “If the Lord is pleased with us he will lead us into that land, only do not rebel against the lord and do not  be afraid of the people.”

Just when the people were talking about stoning them, the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of the Meeting. God was angry that the people did not have faith in him. He said that everyone above 20 years old who grumbled against him will not enter the promised land, except Joshua and Caleb who showed greater faith in God.

• What do we learn about Joshua and Caleb?

Joshua was devoted to God, had patience, Depended on God to fight his battles, was a man of courage

Caleb was also a man of deep faith, was bold and had passion for Gods commands.

• WHAT DO WE LEARN ABOUT GOD?

God rewards deep faith: In Numbers 14:24 we see that both Joshua and Caleb were rewarded by God. 

Joshua was given leadership after Moses and Caleb was blessed with a portion of the Promised Land.

God is grieved by the absence of faith: The Lord was very grieved by the lack of faith by the Israelites. 

He came to the rescue of Joshua and Caleb when they were about to be stoned to death. We are also reminded that God punishes an entire generation of unbelievers. John 3:17-18 reminds us that Jesus came

into the word to save us and those who do not believe in him will be punished. 

• How do we apply what we have learnt in our lives?

Have faith without doubting

Just like Joshua and Caleb who honoured God in the most difficult circumstances, we should also learn to trust God in all kinds of situations. It may be exams, parents, sickness, or even death. “Keep your eyes fixed on God, and never give up in life.”

Enjoy the goodness of “milk n’ honey” that God is waiting to bring into our lives. 

• How do we connect it with the theme?

Joshua and Caleb were the only two among the 12 spies to bring back a positive report. They pleased God with their faith. They were the only two adults among those who came out of Egypt and lived to enter the Promised Land. Rebellion against God displeases him and may invite His wrath. So let’s stand for our faith by placing our trust in God wholeheartedly.

Memory Verse: 

1. Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 
2. Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
3. Joshua 24:15 ……Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.