INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS
As Moses recounted Israel’s time in the wilderness, he reminded God’s people of the reasons for their failure to enter into the land of promise. He rehearsed how it was the people who approached him requesting that spies first be sent into the land to explore it. If the people had trusted God, surveying the land would have been unnecessary. Yet, the people doubted God’s provisions so Moses sent in the spies. When they returned, they expressed stories of giants and walled cities that made the people fear to carry out God’s will. The spies’ report '"discouraged” (Deuteronomy 1:28) the hearts of the people. This loss of courage yielded an unbelief in the people (Deuteronomy 1:32), greatly displeasing the Lord (Hebrews 3:17-19).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children) God created the world and everything in it by simply speaking it into existence. Do you believe that He is powerful enough to help you do what He wants you to do?
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(For everyone) Do you struggle with being courageous? Do you wish you could better understand the reason for this weakness? Start by evaluating your faith in Gods word.
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Our passage shows that if Israel had trusted God, they would not have needed spies. Are there some things that you can recall that would be different in your life if you had simply trusted God? Has your lack of faith ever produced a lack of courage?
PRAYER THOUGHTS
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Ask God to help you avoid the evil sin of unbelief.
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Ask God to surround you with people who believe and trust in His word. Pray that God will give you strength to believe even when others choose not to believe.
SONG
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
