“And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people be disrespectful to Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs that I have performed in their midst?” Numbers 14:11
As we saw yesterday, God’s patience had come to an end and His Judgment began to fall on Israel. He had given them ample proof of His Power and Care during the 2 years of their Journey but spurned it as they grumbled for Meat. Today they are brought to the threshold of the Promised Land and given a report by the 12 Spies. Though Good overall, 10 of the Spies issue a Bad Report saying “We are not able to go up against the people, because they are too strong for us”. As a result “the entire congregation raised their voices and cried out, and the people wept that night” and said “Let’s appoint a leader and return to Egypt!” That is what brings us to Today’s Verse.
So God issues the following Pronouncement: “all the people who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who were disrespectful to Me see it”. All those 20 and older, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, are part of this group. And how do the People React? They humbly bow, broken and contrite, and submit to God’s continued care and provision. NO. They organize an Insurrection and opt to enter anyway without God or His help. No surprise they are soundly beaten! Then we read that those 10 Spies who gave the Bad Report “died by a plague in the presence of the Lord.” And the Tragedies will continue on until the Day Israel comes back to enter, and ALL those who opposed Moses have died!
In the New Testament we have a Similar Watershed Story. We have 2 Groups of People walking on what they believe is the Road to Heaven. One Gate was Wide, as well as its Road, and the other Gate was Narrow, as well as its Path. When they reach Heaven, those on the Broad Road are refused entrance, but those on the Narrow Path, welcomed in. The Similarities are too striking not to notice. What was the Difference? One Group had Faith in their God and trusted Him in spite of Adversity, and could prove it by their Obedience! Both Groups “believed” they were the People of God and would get to enter their Destination. Only 2 out of a Million Jews would enter into Canaan on that Last Day and only those who Jesus called “Few” will enter into Heaven as well. Which Side are You on?