Joshua, son of Nun and Caleb, son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite community:  “The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the LORD is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!”     Numbers 14:6-9 HCSB

The Israelites have finally made it to the border of Canaan, the Promised Land. It is all God promised it would be. Instead of focusing on God and His promises and His provisions, they focused on the negative aspects. They focused on the fact that the land was inhabited by giants and the cities were well fortified.

They decided not to enter. They even said it would be better to return to Egypt to a life of slavery or to die in the desert. Well, be careful what you ask for.

Joshua and Caleb were so upset at their reaction. They pleaded with them to understand God would bring them into this land as He had promised. He would take care of all the negative stuff. Sadly, however, the Israelites fear was overtaking their faith. They just wouldn’t go for it.

Joshua and Caleb told them if God was pleased with them, He would bring them into the land. One might ask what it takes for God to be pleased with us? Well, I’m glad you asked. Of course, the Bible has the answer in Hebrews 11:6. In order for us to please God, we must have faith.

A lack of faith had plagued the Israelites since they left Egypt. In verse 11, God asked Moses, “How long will these people despise Me?” God wanted to destroy them all right then and there. Again, Moses intervened, and God relented.
There was no escaping God’s judgment, however. They would pay for their lack of faith in God.

God counted 10 times the Israelites had disobeyed Him in the wilderness. They had traveled around in the wilderness for two years so far. This should have been a 14-day trip. Their disobedience and lack of faith prevented them from completing this journey. And now their lack of faith would cost them big time. God decided to give them their wish and let them die in the desert.

He told them they would wander in the desert for 40 years, one day for each days the scouts were in the land of Canaan. God declared that only those below 20 years of age would actually be allowed to enter the Promised Land along with Joshua and Caleb.

The next day, the others had a change of heart. They decided to go against these giants. Dumb move. They had walked away from God. Moses warned them against this as God would not go with them, but they went anyway. We are told in verse 45 the Amalekites and Canaanites came down, attacked them, and routed them as far as Hormah.

In order to please God, we must trust and obey. The song is right, there is literally no other way to be happy in Jesus. I urge you to obey Him and most importantly trust Him. God has good plans for us, but there may be obstacles in the way. He will take care of them we only need to trust Him.

If you want to please God, you must have faith.

Have a great day!