“The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.” Numbers 14:1-2 NIV
“When they reached the Valley of Eshkol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshkol because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut off there. 25 At the end of forty days they returned from exploring the land.” Numbers 14:23-25 NIV
“They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.”” Numbers 14:27-29 NIV
Lord God,
When we reach this point we would think there was no promised land and no future and no promises from heaven. 2 were for and 10 against going forward! Perhaps they had expected You to provide a clear ready planted land for them to just oversee? If there we no people the land would have been untamed, uncultivated and years from a good harvest. You promised them this land way back back when Abraham stood upon it. You did not say it would be easy . . .
It took two men to argue that God was greater than anything they wold face and would keep his promises. We face the same disbelief in our world and occasionally in our own minds to believe in the promised land beyond death. In heaven. So many questions about it. There are many voices that would say negative things. It is not real. You have to be good to get there – and who is truly good? You need God permission and how do You get that? Keeping religious rules is hard?
Thank you that we have one voice that speaks above the others. Well two, no actually three but in perfect harmony. You promised us. Jesus made the way open and provided the necessary entry permission and the Holy Spirit who encourages us on the way not to doubt. Keep us tuned in to You and not the white noise of unbelief and doubt. Caleb and Joshua reached the promised land. Thank You for those who encourage us on the way.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 6th March 2025
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
When we all get to heaven,
what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
we’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over
Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving ev’ry day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open–
We shall tread the streets of gold.
Lyrics: E E Hewitt