Tuesday 29th August
Read Numbers 14:5-9
“Then Moses and Aaron fell face down 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.’” (NIVUK)
The sin of despair and fear has taken over the entire congregation of Israel and they wish to return to Egypt. Moses and Aaron are devastated. Joshua and Caleb are not giving up though. They plead with the people and make it clear exactly how high the stakes are.
The stakes are high indeed. Listen closely to their words. The land is good (v7), it is garden-like and fertile (v8), and the Lord is with them (v9). They stand on the threshold of paradise, invited back into the promised land, no flaming swords barring entry. Humanity having rebelled and been expelled from the garden, these people are now rebelling again and refusing to enter. Consider it. They have turned away from God’s promises and presence. A gift rejected.
If sin is rebellion and fear and despair, repentance is acceptance of the free gift of a gracious and long-suffering God. Repentance is hard, but bold and fearless.
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 (NIV).
