Monday, May 11, 2015

May 12, 2015

“When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days, they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. Thus they told him, and said, “We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.” Numbers 13:25-27

Because the Bible is divinely inspired and every word has a purpose, often within the great stories of the Bible is usually a story within the story. And sometimes the story within the story is as good as the main story!

So, let’s put together this story within the story!

God called His people to consecrate themselves in Kadesh Barnea so Joshua could lead them into the promised rest. Caleb was the only one who did. No wonder he had a different spirit!

Only Caleb entered into Canaan and claimed Hebron as his inheritance because of his different spirit!

I want to call your attention to one of the stories within the story of God’s people camping near the Jordan across from the Promised Land. It centers around several names and places:

“Kadesh Barnea“
 “Caleb”
“Hebron”
“Joshua”

Kadesh Barnea was the place where the Israelites were in or around for 38 of the 40 years they spent in their wandering. It was near Canaan, the Land of Promise, and where the spies were chosen to be sent into spy out Canaan. It was where Moses buried His sister, Miriam. Kadesh was the place where Moses got water from the rock to provide for God’s people. Kadesh Barnea was symbolic of consecration or preparation. It was a holy place but still a place of struggle.

Their unwillingness to commit, to consecrate themselves to the will of God kept them from entering into the land of Promise.

God calls individual believers and churches to a place of consecration so they can leave their wandering and enter into His promised rest. Only a “different spirit” will allow you (and us) to enter into inherit Hebron.

Hebron was another significant place in Biblical history. It was located within Canaan, the Land of Promise. It was where Abraham met God and built and altar in days of old. It was the place Abraham buried his beloved Sarah. It was the city where David ruled the divided Kingdom.  It was the place given to Caleb as his inheritance. It literally means “union”, as in union with God, a place of rest. It is where Jesus wants to lead us.

Joshua was the Old Testament representation of Christ. It was Joshua who led God’s people into Canaan, the land of the promised rest. Joshua defeated the giants that dwelt there and chased them out so Caleb could have a place of rest. Caleb is regarded as the Old Testament representation of the Church.

Get the picture?

Is there a message here for you?