March 2, 2016
Lurking Lions
Read:
Numbers
14:1–9
The
Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them. — Numbers 14:9
When I was young, my dad would “scare” us by hiding in the bush
and growling like a lion. Even though we lived in rural Ghana in the 1960s, it
was almost impossible that a lion lurked nearby. My brother and I would laugh
and seek out the source of the noise, thrilled that playtime with Dad had
arrived.
One day a young friend came for a visit. As we played, we heard
the familiar growl. Our friend screamed and ran. My brother and I knew the
sound of my father’s voice—any “danger” was merely a phantom lion—but a funny
thing happened. We ran with her. My dad felt terrible that our friend had been
frightened, and my brother and I learned not to be influenced by the panicked
reaction of others.
Caleb and Joshua stand out as men unfazed by the panic of
others. As Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land, Moses commissioned 12
scouts to spy out the region. They all saw a beautiful territory, but 10
focused on the obstacles and discouraged the entire nation (Num. 13:27-33). In
the process, they started a panic (14:1-4). Only Caleb and Joshua accurately
assessed the situation (vv. 6-9). They knew the history of their Father and
trusted Him to bring them success.
Some
“lions” pose a genuine threat. Others are phantoms. Regardless, as followers of
Jesus our confidence is in the One whose voice and deeds we know and trust.
Lord, we face many fears today. Help us
distinguish between real danger and empty threats, and help us trust You with
all of it. May we live not in fear, but in faith.
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as
bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1
INSIGHT:
Twelve spies were sent to survey the land
(Num. 13:17–20). They reported that the cities were well fortified and the
people were of such great size that the spies felt like grasshoppers (vv.
28–33). This instilled fear and mistrust in the Israelites (14:1–4; Josh.
14:8). But Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to trust God for protection
(Num. 14:9).
Source: Our Daily Bread 2016