Fearful to Enter The Land

Deuteronomy 1:19–31
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Moses describes the 100-mile trip from Horeb to the promised land through a dry and barren wilderness (v.v. 19-21). He explains how their fathers’ fathers were instructed by God to take possession of the land of the Amorites. Instead of moving in they wanted to send out some spies to look over the land. This seemed like a reasonable request in preparation for battle and God approved their idea. They should have known that God would not lead them where He would not keep them. 

When the spies returned, they brought back clusters of huge grapes and told how the land was unusually fruitful (v. 25). However, their description of the people was so terrifying that the Israelites became fearful and refused to trust God to take over the land. Instead of looking back into their recent past of how God had miraculously delivered and sustained them throughout their desert journey, they now accused Him of delivering them into the hands of the Amorites to be killed.

God carried Israel as a father carries a son (v. 31). What do you remember about your father carrying you as a child?  Do you think this helped you to overcome your fears as a child? As you compare this to what God did for Israel what effects do you think this should have had on their faith and trust in Him?

Application

Canaan was a land with Giants and fortified cities. The Israelites fear was understandable but not justified because God had already promised them victory. Sometimes I let difficulties discourage me and then I tend to focus on the negative aspects of a situation. Like Caleb and Joshua, I need to focus on the positive. As a Christian I know that I am on the victory side.