April 18, 2015

“That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 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! 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?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Numbers 14:1-4

There is so much wrong with these statements I hardly know where to begin.

One obvious lesson is you never make decisions when you are in a poor state of mind and panic qualifies as a poor state of mind.

Let me show you what I mean.

Even in their panic mode they admitted that God had led them to this place. And I quote, “Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword?”

Frankly, they were in a MUCH worse spot on the shore of the Red Sea. They were backed up to the sea with the Egyptian army bearing down at full speed. If there was ever a time they would die by the sword that was it! But they didn’t because God opened up the sea!

If God could deliver them from that army by opening up the sea for His people and then closing it on His enemies, would He not also be able to overcome the giants in Canaan?

Sure he could!

So, their own words indicted them!

If that was the worst of it that would be bad enough, but it gets worse!

Not only did they fail to have faith because of what God had already accomplished, but they presumed on Him at the same time!

What do you mean, Brad?

Think about it! Review this statement, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”

Just as they could not have arrived where they were without God’s protection and provision, neither would they make it back across the desert to Egypt without His provision!

So, they apparently had faith He would lead them BACK but couldn’t believe He would lead them forward. The same God who opened a SEA can’t split a RIVER?

In case you may think it doesn’t take faith to go back, here is an illustration to the contrary. But it is presumptive faith not prevailing faith.

Do you see what I mean?

How’s your faith?

Is it presumptive faith or is it prevailing faith?

Can you believe God has brought you this far?

Why would you fail to believe He can take you further?

What part of “Red Sea” don’t you understand?