Hebrews 11:6 (KJV): But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the biblical account of the Israelite spies sent to Canaan, drawing timeless lessons on the perils of unbelief, the triumph of faith, God’s enduring love and provision, personal responsibilities toward God and others, the remnant’s commitment to divine truth, the transformative power of the new covenant, and reflections urging unwavering trust in divine promises over fear.

THE PROMISED LAND BECKONS!

As we embark on our spiritual journey, we find ourselves mirrored in the ancient Israelites poised at Canaan’s border, a land divinely promised to them. The sacred narrative unfolds, “And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many” (Numbers 13:1-2, KJV). This was not merely a geographical survey, but a profound test orchestrated by divine wisdom to gauge the faith entrenched within the hearts of His chosen people. “God did not require the people to believe the report of the spies without sufficient evidence. He had given them unmistakable proof of His power and His love.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 388). This mission, therefore, was designed to confirm and strengthen faith, not to incite doubt. Faith depends on trusting God’s promises, as evidenced in Deuteronomy 8:2 (KJV): “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” The testing of faith produces patience, according to James 1:3 (KJV): “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Ellen G. White emphasizes, “In their unbelief they limited the power of God and distrusted the hand that had hitherto safely guided them.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388.2, 1890). Sr. White further notes, “The unbelieving spies stood in the way, and declared that the people would not be able to go up against the Canaanites.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 153, 1881). Consider if our own missions, our personal callings, are not also meticulously designed to unveil the depth of our trust in God’s unwavering promises amidst daunting prospects, as “the Lord had promised to give Canaan to Israel, and He would certainly fulfill His word if they would obey His voice.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 390). But what happens when doubt creeps in and poisons the heart?

DOUBT’S DARK SHADOWS SPREAD!

Tragically, the reconnaissance mission bore bitter fruit as ten spies returned, not with bouquets of hope, but with seeds of despair, poisoning the congregation’s faith. Their evil report reverberated with fear, “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature” (Numbers 13:32, KJV). This dismal portrayal painted a landscape of insurmountable obstacles—giants and fortified cities, a land devouring its own—breeding terror and paralyzing faith. “By their unbelief they separated themselves from God, and shut away the help that He desired to give them.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 391). Unbelief closes the door to God’s blessings, as seen in Hebrews 3:19 (KJV): “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” The father’s plea highlights the struggle, in Mark 9:24 (KJV): “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Ellen G. White warns, “In their unbelief they limited the power of God and distrusted the hand that had hitherto safely guided them.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388.2, 1890). Sr. White adds, “Revolt and apostasy are in the air, and we must be careful on every hand that we do not become imbued with the evil leaven which is threatening the whole religious world.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 155, 1881). Reflect, how often do we, like these faithless spies, amplify challenges, magnify adversaries, and consequently, diminish the omnipotent power of our God before those we are called to serve? Indeed, “It was Satan’s purpose to discourage Israel,” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 391) and we must be alert to his similar tactics today. Yet, what fruits does such unbelief bear in our communities?

UNBELIEF’S BITTER FRUITS RIPEN!

The insidious seeds of doubt blossomed into a bitter harvest of unbelief, swaying the Israelites from the path of divine destiny. In their despair, “And they said one to another, Let us choose us a captain, and let us return into Egypt” (Numbers 14:4, KJV). Their hearts, once set toward the Promised Land, now yearned for the shackles of Egypt, rejecting the very freedom divinely offered. The consequence was dire: an entire generation, save two, was condemned to wander and perish in the wilderness. Do we not see a stark reflection in our own lives and within our churches? When doubt eclipses faith, do we not also risk forfeiting our spiritual inheritance, choosing the familiarity of bondage over the challenging path to promised liberty? For “unbelief closed their hearts to an understanding of God’s power,” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 391) and thus, they chose a path of self-imposed exile. Unbelief breaks us off from God’s vine, as in Romans 11:20 (KJV): “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear.” We must labor to enter rest, per Hebrews 4:11 (KJV): “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Ellen G. White observes, “Though their hearts were unchanged, the people had been brought to confess the sinfulness and folly of their rebellion at the report of the spies.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 392.4, 1890). Sr. White explains, “The covenant of mercy was made with Abraham. ‘I will bless thee,’ God promised, ‘and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 125, 1890). Remember, “It was their unbelief that prevented them from entering Canaan.” (The Signs of the Times, June 4, 1896). But how did faith shine through in this darkness?

FAITH’S BRAVE BEACONS GLOW!

In the suffocating atmosphere of collective unbelief, a beacon of faith shone brightly through Joshua and Caleb, two men who dared to see God’s promise above human obstacles. With hearts ablaze with conviction, “Only believe,” they urged, “and we shall certainly do it” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 390). They perceived the land not through the distorted lens of fear, but with eyes of faith, trusting in the Almighty’s power to fulfill His sacred word. Let us emulate these faithful men choosing to be voices of faith in a world riddled with skepticism, reminding ourselves and others that with God, “we shall certainly do it,” if we but believe. “Faith in God, obedience to His word, were urged upon the people,” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 391) by Caleb and Joshua, and this same message is needed in our congregations today. We stand firm in faith, as commanded in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (KJV): “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” The armor of God enables us to withstand, per Ephesians 6:13 (KJV): “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ellen G. White affirms, “Caleb comprehended the situation, and, bold to stand in defense of the word of God, he did all in his power to counteract the evil influence of his unfaithful associates.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388.3, 1890). Sr. White states, “But the faith of Caleb and Joshua was richly rewarded. According to His word, God brought these faithful ones into the land that He had promised them.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 156, 1881). Indeed, “Had Israel trusted in God, and gone forward in obedience to His word, how different would have been their history!” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 392). Yet, what was God’s response to widespread unbelief?

GOD’S JUSTICE UNVEILED!

God’s response to Israel’s pervasive unbelief was an act of divine sorrow mingled with justice, “Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me” (Numbers 14:29, KJV). The unfaithful spies, originators of the despair, met their end swiftly by plague, while a nation faced forty years of wilderness wandering—a poignant testament to the severity of rejecting divine promise. Only Joshua and Caleb, whose faith remained unshaken, were granted passage into the Promised Land (Numbers 14:38). Consider, the weight of our choices. Unbelief carries profound consequences, not only for ourselves but for generations to come, while unwavering faith paves the way for future blessings. As Sr. White poignantly stated, “God had promised them the land of Canaan; and had they been willing to receive His guidance, He would have led them safely in.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 392). However, because of their choice,”The sentence was now to go forth that this generation should not enter the land of Canaan.”(The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 401). Unbelief condemns already, as in John 3:18 (KJV): “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” The time for salvation is now, per 2 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV): “(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” Ellen G. White declares, “The Lord declared: ‘As ye have spoken in Mine ears, so will I do to you: your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness, and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward…. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 391.2, 1890). Sr. White reflects, “The unbelief and murmurings of the children of Israel illustrate the people of God now upon the earth.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 157, 1881). How, amidst such stern judgments, do we discern the gentle contours of God’s love?

LOVE’S ENDURING LIGHT SHINES!

How, amidst such stern judgments, do we discern the gentle contours of God’s love? Although divine displeasure fell upon Israel’s unbelief, God’s love manifested in His continued provision and patient guidance throughout their forty-year exile. As Scripture reveals, He declared, “Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness… after the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years” (Numbers 14:29, 34, KJV). Yet, even in this judgment, God sustained them with manna from heaven, water from rocks, and the protective pillar of cloud and fire, never abandoning His rebellious children. This narrative illustrates a love that chastens but does not forsake, a love that disciplines to refine, not to destroy. It is a love that, even when faced with profound rejection, tirelessly works towards ultimate redemption and restoration. “In all their wanderings in the wilderness, Christ was their leader.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 415). Truly,”notwithstanding their sin, the Lord did not wholly withdraw His love from them. ‘My mercy,’ He declared, ‘will I keep for him forevermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 394). God’s mercies sustain us, as in Lamentations 3:22 (KJV): “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” His love reaches sinners, per Romans 5:8 (KJV): “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Ellen G. White affirms, “Yet the continuance of the tabernacle service testified that God had not utterly forsaken His people. And His providence still supplied their wants. ‘The Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand,’ said Moses, in rehearsing the history of their wanderings. ‘He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness; these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, page 406, 1890). Sr. White describes, “He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. ‘In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them all the days of old.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, page 407, 1890). In light of such divine steadfastness, what then is our responsibility toward this unwavering God?

In light of such divine steadfastness, what then is our responsibility toward this unwavering God? Joshua was commanded, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8, KJV). Our primary duty is to immerse ourselves in His Word, allowing it to saturate our minds and dictate our actions. Meditation and obedience become the twin pillars of our devotion, pathways to prosperity and true success in His eyes. Are we not called to be living testaments of this obedience, demonstrating through our lives the transformative power of God’s Word, and urging others to anchor their lives in its immutable truths? Indeed, “The prosperity of Israel depended upon their obedience to God’s law.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 392). Let us remember, “It is in obedience to His commandments that we find prosperity.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 138). Obedience brings blessings, as in Deuteronomy 28:1 (KJV): “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.” Prosperity follows the righteous, per Psalm 1:3 (KJV): “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Ellen G. White proclaims, “If thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, ‘blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field,’ in ‘the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle…. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The Lord shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face…. The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 466.2, 1890). Sr. White urges, “Moses closed with these impressive words: ‘I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto Him: for He is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 467.3, 1890). Considering the boundless love of God, how should we then orient our responsibilities toward our neighbors?

Considering the boundless love of God, how should we then orient our responsibilities toward our neighbors? The Levitical mandate echoes through the ages, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV). This command transcends mere tolerance or polite interaction; it calls for a love mirroring the selfless love God extends to us. It demands empathy, compassion, and respect, irrespective of societal barriers or personal differences. As messengers of divine love, are we not bound to reflect this unconditional affection in our interactions, becoming conduits of grace, healing divisions, and fostering unity within our communities and congregations? “Love to man is the earthly evidence that we have the love of God in the heart.” (Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 344). For, as Christ taught, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35, KJV, quoted in Testimonies for the Church Volume 5, 344). Love honors family and neighbor, as in Matthew 19:19 (KJV): “Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” The law is fulfilled in love, per Galatians 5:14 (KJV): “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White teaches, “The divine law requires us to love God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. Without the exercise of this love, the highest profession of faith is mere hypocrisy.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 167, 1889). Sr. White elaborates, “The love of God is something pure and holy. It is not a sentiment, but a principle. True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse, and which suddenly dies when severely tested.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 169, 1889). What standard guides the remnant in upholding truth?

REMNANT’S TRUTH TORCH BLAZES!

The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20, KJV). This verse serves as a cornerstone for the remnant church, highlighting their unwavering commitment to God’s Word as their supreme standard. In an era of shifting moral sands and diluted spiritual truths, the remnant stands firm on the solid rock of Scripture and prophetic guidance. We identify ourselves as this remnant, called to uphold and proclaim the undiluted truth of God’s Word. Are we truly living up to this high calling, ensuring our doctrines and daily lives are in perfect alignment with “the law and the testimony,” radiating the “light” of divine truth to a world shrouded in spiritual darkness? Indeed, “The remnant people of God, standing in moral darkness, are to be light bearers to the world.” (Review and Herald, March 28, 1912). Furthermore, “In these last days there will be a people who will stand forth in the strength of God to represent His character and His law to the world.” (Review and Herald, May 7, 1901). Grace elects a remnant, as in Romans 11:5 (KJV): “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” The remnant keeps commandments, per Revelation 12:17 (KJV): “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Sr. White declares, “The remnant that purify their souls by obeying the truth gather strength from the trying process, exhibiting the beauty of holiness amid the surrounding apostasy.” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 380, 1958). Sr. White asserts, “God’s remnant people, striving to reach the divine standard, will come into conflict with the whole world, which is in opposition to the law of God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 141, 1902). Under the new covenant, how does God transform our hearts?

HEARTS RENEWED IN COVENANT!

Under the transformative promise of the new covenant, God declares, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts” (Hebrews 8:10, KJV). This divine pledge signifies a profound shift from external commandments etched on stone to internal principles inscribed upon the heart. It speaks of an intimate, personal relationship with God, where obedience springs not from duty or fear, but from a heart transformed and aligned with divine will. As recipients of this new covenant, are we allowing God’s law to be written in our hearts, fostering a genuine love for His precepts, and living lives that reflect this inner transformation to a watching world? “The law of God is to be written in the heart. We are to be renewed in the spirit of our minds.” (Signs of the Times, October 16, 1893). For “When the law of God is written in the heart, it will be expressed in the life.” (Signs of the Times, July 11, 1895). The covenant writes law inwardly, as in Jeremiah 31:33 (KJV): “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” A new heart is given, per Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV): “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Sr. White explains, “The new covenant promise is, ‘I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them.’” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 102, 1896). Sr. White clarifies, “Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained are the same as under the old—perfect obedience.” (The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 931, 1957). What reflections does Israel’s journey offer us today?

WILDERNESS LESSONS ILLUMINATE!

The saga of Israel’s wilderness journey serves as a potent allegory for our own spiritual pilgrimage. The crisis of unbelief, vividly portrayed in their near forfeiture of the Promised Land, echoes in our contemporary challenges. Giants of doubt and fortified cities of fear may loom large in our paths, threatening to eclipse the promises of God. Yet, like Joshua and Caleb, we are called to choose faith over fear, trust over trepidation. Our responsibility is to embody and disseminate this unwavering faith, pointing ourselves and those we serve to the divine assurances that transcend earthly obstacles. In fixing our gaze on Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith,” we find the strength to overcome our wilderness wanderings and claim our promised inheritance. “Let us encourage faith, ever pointing upward to the hills of God, from whence cometh our help.” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 510). And let us remember, “We have far more to fear from within than from without. The hindrances to strength and success are far greater from the church itself than from the world.” (Testimonies to the Church Volume 5, 80). God banishes fear, as in 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Faith is our assurance, per Hebrews 11:1 (KJV): “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Sr. White counsels, “The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the benefit of the Israel of God to the close of time.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 293, 1890). Sr. White admonishes, “Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, ‘Go forward.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 437, 1890). How does this narrative encapsulate the eternal struggle between faith and doubt?

ETERNAL TRUTH TRIUMPHS!

The narrative of spies and the subsequent crisis of unbelief delivers an enduring lesson: faith and obedience are the twin pillars of spiritual triumph, while doubt and rebellion breed spiritual desolation. As we navigate our mission fields, let us carry the torch of unwavering faith, fortified by God’s Word, and motivated by His boundless love. May we, as modern-day Joshuas and Calebs, inspire congregations and communities to embrace the promises of God, cross their Jordans of doubt, and step boldly into the inheritance prepared for them—a land not of giants, but overflowing with milk and honey for those who dare to believe. “Let us not distrust God. Let us not speak unbelief. Let us not measure God by the narrow rule of human judgment.” (The Ministry of Healing, 489). Instead, let us resolve, “With Joshua and Caleb, take your stand for the right. Let faith and not sight control your life.” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 98). God empowers us against fear, as in 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV): “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Faith substantiates hope, per Hebrews 11:1 (KJV): “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Sr. White reflects, “The record of God’s dealings with the wanderers in the desert is fraught with lessons of deepest interest to the Israel of God.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 293, 1890). Sr. White encourages, “The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, ‘Go forward.’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 437, 1890).

If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comments below. Prayer meetings are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. To join, enter your email address in the comments section.

Search

Search