The other morning while I was enjoying my coffee and looking over the news headlines, I couldn't help but think how similar we are today to the Israelite's thousands of years ago. The slaves at that time were miraculously delivered from bondage to Egypt, led through parted waters by Moses and wandered through the desert for forty years until God brought them to a land that was filled with milk and honey. A remarkable journey to freedom but their story doesn't end there.
The people arrived at their destination and Moses assigned leaders from every tribe to go spy and scope out the lay of the land. Although they encountered plentiful crops, water and grazing fields for livestock their focus was on the giants. Mighty men who were decedents of Nephilim, savage warriors known for their ferocity. Instead of confidently taking over the land God himself promised them, they pulled back and cowered in fear. Were these giants real? Yes. Was fear a rational response? Yes, but something else was the underlying issue. A greater giant seized their minds. UNBELIEF. The leaders who were sent to scope out the land and bring back a report caved to doubt, putting mistrust into the minds of the people they were supposed to lead. Only two men, Joshua an 85 years old warrior and Caleb, brought back a good report because they believed God's promise of provision in spite of the danger that was ahead.
I can look at our headlines and clearly see GIANTS. Chaos fills the news cycle and attacks our minds like arrows shot from the enemy's bows. Some days I'm tempted to despair. But then I remember the words God spoke to Joshua. " Be strong and courageous for you will bring the Israelite's into the land I promised." Moses, Joshua and Caleb saw the same obstacles the other leaders saw but they saw these so called giants through the eyes of faith in the power of God.
The take away I get from Numbers 13 in the Old Testament is how important strong leadership is to a nation. A minority with faith always outweighs the majority who fears. We need bold, God fearing leadership or we are doomed to failure. Thankfully, we have that kind of leadership in the White House now.
So what can we do to handle the giants we are facing in the world today? I believe "We the People" have a monumental role to play as our 250 year journey continues. We need to back up our leaders with prayer every day and have faith that 'where two or more are gathered He is with us." Show up and vote for responsible, intelligent men and women who serve with common sense. Be bold enough to stand against evil so the culture does not change the fabric of our country but that Jesus will change the culture.
