TO CHEW ON: "Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.' But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.'” Numbers 13:30,31
The Israelites had been traveling through the desert for a long time. Now they were near the land God had promised them. To prepare for going in and settling there, Moses sent twelve spies to explore their new home. For forty days these men went from place to place in Canaan, secretly checking out the country.
When they got back, they told of the amazing orchards and farms. They brought back grapes, dates and pomegranates to prove how rich the land was. But they also told of huge walled cities and people who looked as big and strong as giants.
Ten of the spies didn’t think they would ever be able to live there. “The cities are too protected,” they said, “and the people are too tall.”
But two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, didn’t agree. “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we certainly can do it,” said Caleb.
Why do you think Joshua and Caleb disagreed with the other spies?
1. Joshua and Caleb needed their eyes checked.
2. Joshua and Caleb were taller, fiercer and braver than the other spies.
3. Joshua and Caleb remembered the ways God had helped them in the past and knew He could help them again.
Joshua and Caleb may have been braver than the others. But I’m sure that another reason they knew they could win over the people of Canaan was 3. They remembered all the times God had helped them in the past. They knew that with God they could do anything.
Things around us sometimes look impossible too. At those times it’s important that we remind ourselves of the times God has helped us. This will give us courage and confidence that He will be with us in whatever we’re facing now.
PRAYER: Dear God, please remind me of how You have helped me in the past and know that together we can get through hard things now. Amen
MORE: Story time
1. Pretend you are Caleb or Joshua. What stories could you tell the ten spies to remind them of God’s help in the past?
2. What stories could you tell a friend or family member about how God has helped you and your family?
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Adult readers - DAILY DEVOTIONS FOR ADULTS are available too at Other Food: daily devo's.
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