Thoughts from there and there…Standing At the Place of Promise
They stood at the place disappointed, discouraged and defeated. It was their own fault. They had refused to believe that what had been promised could be accomplished with the help of the god who had led them to this place.
From where they stood they could see the land, the Promised Land; the land promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, and their descendants. It was a country that was described as “flowing with milk and honey.” This was the fulfillment of a dream that would soon turn into the people’s worst nightmare.
Spies had been sent out to investigate the land and to gather intelligence and to bring back some representative produce and products. The spies had been gone for forty days. There were many excited people who eagerly awaited their report. What a report it was!
The majority of the spies could only see the negative. It was a good land, productive and fruitful, but the people in the land were strong. The towns were large and well-fortified. There was a race of giants who invoked great fear.
One voice was heard encouraging immediate possession. The majority said it was impossible. As the word spread the people raised a loud cry of dismay and complaint. The intensity o their disappointment was readily observed.
No matter how loud was the one voice, the people would not listen. They believed the negative majority. The whole assembly questioned the leadership and the purpose that had brought them to this place. In a short time they decided to appoint another captain and return to the slavery from which they had been rescued.
So often we stand at the place of promise. We seek information and understanding, and that is as it should be. Too often we all our humanness to defeat the power of divine intention and purpose. Too often we remain as we are disappointed, discouraged, and defeated. God would not have it so.
If our founding mothers and fathers had possessed the same attitude as did Israel at Kadesh–barnea, this land would not have been settled, the Revolution would not have taken place, we would still be under the yoke of English rule and authority.
The founders did not listen to the voices of the majority, neither should we, that is and unless, those voices herald the will and purposes of God.
We can accomplish what needs to be done if we trust in the God who loves and guides us. Let us go up and possess the land!