Bondage or Freedom???

picture from: www.clydecampbellministries.com

 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.”

Numbers 14:7-9

Joshua and Caleb spoke to the Israelite community after both Moses and Aaron fell face down - I'm assuming in frustration and prayer.

The Israelites had lost any ounce of faith in God they had once had, and were talking about going back to Egypt to return to the awful life of slavery that God had just brought them out of!

Sarah Ott, from IF:Equip, reminds us that Egypt = Bondage.

They were choosing Bondage and Slavery over God.

Over and over again we read about this great Promise or great Gift that God is trying to give His Chosen People - and over and over again we read about how they reject it - they doubt God - they act in fear - they lose faith.

Joshua and Caleb beg the Israelites to hear their description of the Promised Land of God.  They remind the people that God has given them all they need to succeed - Himself!  And these two men also pointed out that the inhabitants of the land lacked this protection.

At this point the Israelite's journey out of Egypt had been 40 days - and they had witnessed God's protection, guidance, and provision throughout their journey.

And.
They.
Still.
Doubted.

God still makes promises.  And, He only makes promises He intends to keep.  He does not lie.  He does not cheat.  He is good and faithful.  I imagine when God gives gifts to us that He is like a little child who is so excited about the gift He is giving and can hardly wait for you to open it and rejoice with Him!  But sometimes we just let the gift sit there, unopened...

So, my sweet friends - What Promises and Gifts are we refusing to believe or accept or open?  How are we hurting God by minimizing His Power and limiting what He can accomplish?  Are we choosing Bondage and Slavery over Freedom in God's Promise?

I encourage you to take some time over the next few days and let these words of worship really sink into your soul and believe them.  "Promise Keeper, Promise Maker.  You finish what you begin. Our Provision through the desert. You see it through to the end. The Lord our God is ever faithful. Never changing through the ages. From this darkness. You will lead us. And forever we will say, You're the Lord our God." (Kristian Stanfill and Jason Ingram)




Join me on my journey with Joshua at IF:Equip!