And we point at that and shake our heads ... forgetting that there are three fingers pointing back, because isn't that us ... almost daily? God tells us, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28) and we cry and complain because we're facing unpleasant circumstances and why is God not there? We are promised, "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Php 4:19) and we complain about a spouse or a job or a situation where our needs are not being met and why is God not there? We are told, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:31-32) and worry about persecution and distress and bad political leadership and ask, "Why is God not there?" Just like the Israelites.
The spies reported that the people there were too strong and the land was too harsh and "we became like grasshoppers in our own sight" (Num 13:31-33). The Bible does not argue that they reported incorrectly. Scripture doesn't chide them for bearing false witness. God's Word faults them for failing to trust the God they claimed to know and believe and follow. Like Peter walking on the water, looking at the storm instead of "the Truth," they looked at circumstances rather than trusting the Lord who saved them from Egypt and said, "Nope! He is not reliable. We can't trust Him. We won't go there." Now, I find it fascinating that Scripture would view following God into whatever circumstances come our way with confidence as "rest." God does. If the Israelites had trusted God in difficult times, they would have experienced "rest." The author of Hebrews says they failed to enter His rest (Heb 3:18). How? "They were not able to enter because of unbelief" (Heb 3:19).
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:12-13)
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It seems to be pretty common for us to look at the heroes of Scripture and associate ourselves with them, or to look at the villains of Scripture and glory in how we aren't like them, when in reality, we are far more often like the bad guys than the good. We are told about the bad guys so much to warn us not to go there because we so easily fall into their side. We need these reminders so that we can keep depending on the only source for our good works, our Lord.
Today’s post highlights an important paradox--that which looked so overwhelmingly fearsome to the children of Israel was actually God’s “rest.” I clearly see the pertinent caution for these days, as we too will miss out on God’s rest if we hold onto our unbelief in the face of His promises. Just like those Israelites about to enter the Promised Land, I have seen God bring me through safely to the present day and can trust Him to continue that care until my days here are done. “There be giants,” indeed, but God is greater. What a comfort for today…and every day.
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