Numbers
13:1-32
Today, as we move further on the subject of
stewardship, we want to progressively examine the life of the young man, Joshua
the son of Nun.
Moses chose twelve leaders, one from each of the tribes of Israel, to spy out the land of Canaan, at the command of the Lord.
Among the people who were chosen were Joshua from the tribe of Ephraim and Caleb from the tribe of Judah.
Perhaps the Lord deliberately initiated (or
permitted) the process of selecting spies to examine the land because He wanted
to test and prove the faith of the leaders. These were men who would have
acquired some form of leadership training or developed expertise by virtue of
their work experiences and exposure. They were mighty valiant men indeed! They
were being beckoned on, to embark on a national assignment…
In the same way, God is embarking on a divine
recruitment program, searching for people who will stand as kingdom
representatives among the nations. God is searching through the hearts of men
diligently, for people who will not compromise and forsake His presence for the
‘proceeds’ they stand to get…
Please, let’s take note of the fact that these men
were chosen by God. It’s also important for us to note that, when it comes to
divine appointment, God is very meticulous about the vessels He uses. He will
not just appoint anybody for His work. He alone determines the process and the
requirements for His selection.
Even at this point in time, God is still in the business of appointing people for specific assignments in His kingdom. Are we prepared? When the Lord beckons on us, may we be found worthy as vessels fit for the Master’s use!
These men had a very straight-forward assignment
given to them: To carry out a feasibility study on the land, give a situation report,
and possibly, bring a sample of the fruit of the land. As tough as this might
seem, it was already a concluded deal from God’s perspective (Deut. 1:20-21). Even
Moses, the progenitor of the law knew that this promise could only be delivered
by faith and not by works.
The calling that God has placed upon your life can
only be fulfilled by the election of grace! (Romans 11:5-6). The truth is that,
God would never call you to go and get what He hadn’t already made provision
for…
The spies returned after forty days and gave their
report to Moses, Aaron and the congregation of Israel. They gave good reports
about the resources of the country, the existing prospects and opportunities in
the land, etc. They acknowledged that the land was indeed good and was flowing
with milk and honey. They even brought fruit from the land.
‘However,
the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and
very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there’ (Numbers 13:28).
These men who brought evil reports were also
partakers of the blessing of Abraham. By rights, they were beneficiaries of the
covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! The delivery of the blessing
was just within their finger-tip; yet, they blew it up by choosing to walk by
sight and not by faith.
For
we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with
our confident belief in God’s promises] – (2 Cor. 5:7) Amplified.
Some men have been blessed with the opportunity and
grace to move ahead of their generation, to see through the mind of God, what
lies ahead in the future, and to bring back prophetic word (Romans 1:5).
What report are we giving? Are we making disciples
for Christ through our report? Are we persuading men to come to the knowledge
of Christ through our report?
The real essence of all these, is to strengthen the
feeble hands and steady the knees that give way (Isaiah 35:3), so that people
can come into the fulfilment of their Godly inheritance, that the Father may be
glorified.
Hallmark(s)
of Stewardship:
Preparation
Be prepared! Get yourself equipped with the Word of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15). Now is the time to build up your most holy faith… (Jude 20). Now is the time to spread your roots and grow in the Spirit! Get yourself equipped with God’s presence (Psalm 42:1).
PASTOR NATHANIEL SADELA
Resident Pastor
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