Spy vs. Spy

Numbers 13, Joshua 2

- In Numbers 13 before the rebellion GOD told Moses to send one man per tribe, 12 in total to spy out the land. 

- GOD wanted them to see the promised land was indeed flowing with milk and Honey as promised, but they fall short in believing GOD had already given them the victory.

- How often do we (I) stumble at something, knowing full well that GOD has already said he is with and for you, what is there to fear? (I’m guilty of this too if I’m being honest)

- The Spies returned with a report that shows their unbelief of what GOD had promised and it looked impossible in their strength and abilities. They took GOD out of the equation.

- The spies said the people in general were stronger than them and the saw the sons of Anak, descendants of the Nephilim, tall and fearsome.

- It is no coincidence that the Nephilim are located here. The adversary has placed his earthly heavy hitters here for a reason.

- After this incident begins the 40-year wandering in the wilderness punishment. The Israelites traded the 40 days of spying for 40 years of punishment and the inhabitants of the land gained a 40-year reprieve for which they could have used to make a change, turn back to GOD or knowing what is coming, they could have started looking for a new home.

- The only two Spies that trusted what GOD had said was true were Caleb and Joshua son of Nun, also called Hoshea.

- Caleb was from the tribe of Judah and Hoshea was from the tribe of Ephraim 

- Moses changed Hoshea’s name, like what we see GOD doing and Jesus does to some of the Disciples. I do not have and explanation I just find it very interesting.

- Fast forward to the book (scroll) of Joshua, he has been installed as Moses’s replacement, the 40 years are up. Everyone who was involved in the first rebellion has died in the wilderness and they get to do it again. This time only two spies are sent in, not to scout out the whole land, but area and city of Jericho.

- They stay with Rahab, and she hides them and helps them escape in exchange for their promise to save her and her father, mother, brothers, and sisters and all who belong to them. Notice what she tells the two spies. The whole land had heard what the LORD did at the Red Sea, about they did to the Kings of the Amorites, Sihon and Og.

- And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.  Joshua 2:11

- Once the two spies successful eluded their pursers from the city and made it back with the report, they told Joshua the people of the land were afraid of them because of GOD.

- The people of Jericho now know they are living on borrowed time and their best plan against an almighty GOD and his chosen people is to…. remain exactly where they are. What? (I don’t know about you, but this blows my mind)

Here we are in a world in desperate need make a change from the direction it’s heading. Believing by our own strength we can beat Covid-19, stop climate change, reverse the breakdown of the Atlantic currents, stop rogue governments and terrorism and the list continues to grow daily. The people who have heard of a God and either don’t believe or think they have more time and choose to remain exactly where they are, hunkered down and immoveable. Look at the example of Rahab, she was one smart lady; she made the wise choice for her and her family, she saw GOD coming and made a decision and I pray you and yours do too.

Next – Jordan dried, and Jericho cracked