FAITH TESTED IN THE WILDERNESS!

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the Israelites’ wilderness experiences as profound tests of faith, obedience, and character, drawing timeless spiritual lessons from rebellions, the spies’ report, and divine judgments to inspire unwavering trust in God’s promises amid trials.

CRUCIBLE OF FAITH!

The ancient path from Egypt to Canaan, a journey etched in the annals of time, was far more profound than a mere relocation across terrestrial boundaries. It was, in essence, a crucible, a testing ground meticulously designed to gauge the very essence of Israel’s faith, obedience, and the mettle of their character. Within this epic saga, myriad trials arose, each serving as a pivotal juncture where destinies were forged. Among these landmark events, the insurrection fomented by Miriam and Aaron against Moses stands as a stark reminder of human frailty and divine patience. Let us delve into these scriptures, unlocking timeless wisdom for our pilgrimage today. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. The trying of faith works patience. The trial of faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into strait places, they murmur at the process of Providence (Patriarchs and Prophets, 293, 1890). The wilderness wandering was not only ordained as a judgment upon the rebels and murmurers, but it was to serve as a discipline for the rising generation, in preparation for their entrance into the promised land (Patriarchs and Prophets, 407, 1890). But what happens when jealousy creeps into leadership, disrupting divine order?

JEALOUSY’S DEADLY STRIKE!

As the Israelites traversed the arid wilderness, shadows of discontent began to lengthen, subtly at first, then boldly erupting in the hearts of Miriam and Aaron. Jealousy, that viper in the human soul, slithered into their thoughts, poisoning their perception of Moses’ divinely appointed leadership. Even the pretext of their complaint reveals a deeper issue of discontent: “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman” (Numbers 12:1, KJV). Further fueling their audacity, they questioned divine authority itself: “And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it” (Numbers 12:2, KJV). Observe how Ellen G. White incisively notes, “Envy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 385). She further elaborates on the underlying ambition driving their actions: “They felt that they were entitled to a larger share of responsibility and honor than had been given them, and this envy and jealousy sprang from their ambition for self-exaltation” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 384). This illuminates their insidious sin; it was not mere disagreement, but a venomous envy born of pride and a grasping for recognition they deemed unjustly withheld. Scripture warns, “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21, KJV). A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Envy is not merely a perverseness of temper, but a distemper, which disorders all the faculties. It began with Satan (Testimony Treasures, vol. 2, 24, 1949). Envy is the offspring of pride, and if it is entertained in the heart, it will lead to hatred, and eventually to revenge and murder (Patriarchs and Prophets, 651, 1890). Reflect on this with sobriety: jealousy, left unchecked, can corrode even the most sacred relationships and disrupt divine order, ultimately barring one from eternal inheritance. Let us learn from their failing, guarding our hearts against the green-eyed monster of envy. But how does God test faith through specific missions in this journey?

SCOUTING THE PROMISED LAND!

Divine directives charted each step of Israel’s journey, and the mission to scout Canaan was no exception, meticulously detailed in Numbers 13:1-3. It’s undeniable that God ordained this reconnaissance for a purpose far deeper than military strategy; it was a test, an opportunity for Israel to exercise faith in His promises. As scripture details, “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel” (Numbers 13:1, 2, KJV). This divine command came after the people themselves proposed a similar plan, highlighting a mix of human initiative and divine guidance: “And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come” (Deuteronomy 1:22, KJV). Sr. White highlights the provision of divine power for the nation, reminding us, “and the mighty power of God, so often manifested in behalf of the chosen nation” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388). She adds emphasis on the divine intention behind their journey, stating, “God had commanded Israel to take possession of Canaan, and had pledged them His aid” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 387). Contemplate the significance: God’s command was not to seek permission, but to prepare for possession. This scouting expedition was designed to affirm God’s provision, yet tragically, for many, it became an exercise in doubt. 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. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. The Canaanites had filled up the measure of their iniquity, and the Lord would no longer bear with them. His protection being removed, they would be an easy prey. By the covenant of God the land was ensured to Israel. But the false report of the unfaithful spies was accepted, and through it the whole congregation were deluded (Patriarchs and Prophets, 390, 1890). The unfaithful spies were loud in denunciation of Caleb and Joshua, and the cry was raised to stone them. The insane mob seized missiles with which to slay those faithful men. They rushed forward with yells of madness, when suddenly the stones dropped from their hands, a hush fell upon them, and they shook with fear. God had interposed to check their murderous design (Patriarchs and Prophets, 390, 1890). Let us not miss the divine intent in trials, recognizing them as opportunities to solidify faith, not succumb to fear. But what divides the report when fear overshadows faith?

FEAR VS FAITH CLASH!

Forty days the spies explored Canaan, returning laden with tangible proof of the land’s bounty – fruit so abundant it spoke volumes of divine blessing (Numbers 13:17-25). Yet, observe the stark dichotomy in their report; while the evidence of God’s promise was undeniable, fear eclipsed faith in the hearts of ten spies. Consider their dismal pronouncement, which sowed seeds of despair throughout the camp: “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). Expanding on this, they amplified the perceived threats: “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33, KJV). Sr. White poignantly describes the atmosphere: “Their gloomy shadow over the congregation…was forgotten” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388). She further clarifies the impact of their unbelief: “They limited the power of Jehovah because they were destitute of faith” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 389). Ponder this chilling reality: despite repeated manifestations of divine power, fear became their dominant lens, distorting truth and amplifying obstacles. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. The Lord still works in a similar manner to glorify His name by bringing men to acknowledge His justice. When those who profess to love Him complain of His providence, despise His promises, and, yielding to temptation, unite with evil angels to defeat the purposes of God, the Lord often so overrules circumstances as to bring these persons where, though they may have no real repentance, they will be convinced of their sin and will be constrained to acknowledge the wickedness of their course and the justice and goodness of God in His dealings with them (Patriarchs and Prophets, 393, 1890). 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. They now saw the value of the blessing which they had so rashly cast away. They confessed that it was their own unbelief which had shut them out from Canaan (Patriarchs and Prophets, 392, 1890). Do we not, like these spies, often allow fear to overshadow past deliverances, focusing on perceived impossibilities rather than God’s unwavering power? Let us choose to remember God’s faithfulness, allowing it to illuminate our path through present darkness. But who stands firm when others falter in trust?

HEROES OF TRUST!

Amidst the chorus of despair, voices rose in defiant faith – Caleb and Joshua, beacons of courage in a sea of fear. Their unwavering testimony declared not human might, but divine promise as their confidence. Hear their bold affirmation, directed to the fearful congregation: “And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land” (Numbers 14:7, KJV). Their faith was not mere optimism, but a profound trust in God’s active involvement: “If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey” (Numbers 14:8, KJV). Sr. White underscores the unfaithful spies’ reaction, stating, “The unfaithful spies were loud in denunciation of Caleb and Joshua, and the cry was raised to stone them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 390). She further emphasizes the source of Caleb and Joshua’s strength: “Caleb and Joshua rent their clothes in grief and indignation that their brethren should be so faithless, and fearlessly testified to the truth” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 389). Reflect on this courageous stand: Caleb and Joshua, though facing imminent peril, prioritized divine assurance above popular opinion and perceived threats. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Caleb’s faith was simple and childlike; he believed in the power of God as fully able to give His people the goodly land; he believed in the power of God as fully able to give His people the goodly land; he and his voice was heard in the assembly of the people, it was with an assurance that inspired hope (Patriarchs and Prophets, 388, 1890). The faith of Caleb and Joshua was in harmony with the word of God, and they would bear a good report (The Faith I Live By, 328, 1958). In a world often swayed by majority sentiment and fear-mongering, do we possess the fortitude to stand for truth, even when stones of opposition are hurled our way? Let us emulate their courage, anchoring our convictions in divine promises, not human anxieties, remembering that “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” (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). But what follows when unbelief prevails over such trust?

UNBELIEF’S DOOM!

Israel’s collective decision to embrace fear over faith did not escape divine notice, nor did it lack consequence. Solemnly, God’s judgment echoed through the wilderness, a direct response to their murmured doubts and rejected promises. The decree resonated, encapsulating the essence of their punishment: “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, which have murmured against me” (Numbers 14:28-29, KJV). The Lord’s pronouncement was clear and final: “I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die” (Numbers 14:35, KJV). Sr. White powerfully narrates the immediate fate of the dissenting spies, “The ten unfaithful spies, divinely smitten by the plague, perished before the eyes of all Israel; and in their fate the people read their own doom” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 391). She further highlights the profound lesson embedded in this judgment: “How often are the words and actions of the unfaithful spies repeated in the history of God’s people! How often do men magnify the difficulties and dangers, and in unbelief and rebellion choose to turn back from the very threshold of the promised land!” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 391). Consider the weight of this judgment: unbelief carries devastating consequences, leading to spiritual stagnation and forfeited blessings, for “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23, KJV). So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. The Lord still works in a similar manner to glorify His name by bringing men to acknowledge His justice. When those who profess to love Him complain of His providence, despise His promises, and, yielding to temptation, unite with evil angels to defeat the purposes of God, the Lord often so overrules circumstances as to bring these persons where, though they may have no real repentance, they will be convinced of their sin and will be constrained to acknowledge the wickedness of their course and the justice and goodness of God in His dealings with them. It is thus that God sets counteragencies at work to make manifest the works of darkness. And though the spirit which prompted to the evil course is not radically changed, confessions are made that vindicate the honor of God and justify His faithful reprovers, who have been opposed and misrepresented. Thus it will be when the wrath of God shall be finally poured out. When ‘the Lord cometh with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment upon all,’ He will also ‘convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds (Patriarchs and Prophets, 393, 1890). Forced to submission at last, the survivors ‘returned, and wept before the Lord;’ but ‘the Lord would not hearken’ to their voice. By their signal victory the enemies of Israel, who had before awaited with trembling the approach of that mighty host, were inspired with confidence to resist them. All the reports they had heard concerning the marvelous things that God had wrought for His people, they now regarded as false, and they felt that there was no cause for fear. That first defeat of Israel, by inspiring the Canaanites with courage and resolution, had greatly increased the difficulties of the conquest. Nothing remained for Israel but to fall back from the face of their victorious foes, into the wilderness, knowing that here must be the grave of a whole generation (Patriarchs and Prophets, 394, 1890). Are we mindful that our choices, rooted in faith or fear, directly shape our destinies? Let us learn from this somber lesson, choosing faith that leads to life, not fear that culminates in spiritual death. But how does divine judgment reveal God’s love through discipline?

DISCIPLINE’S LOVING FLAME!

Though the judgment upon Israel appears severe, beneath the surface lies a profound expression of divine love – discipline aimed at refinement, not destruction. The forty years of wilderness wandering, though seemingly punitive, served as a divine classroom, teaching obedience and fostering utter reliance on God. Scripture reminds us, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6, KJV). This correction is not a sign of rejection but of deep affection, mirroring a loving parent’s guidance: “For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth” (Proverbs 3:12, KJV). Sr. White elucidates God’s pedagogical intent, explaining, “God permitted these trials to come upon His people to prepare them for the work before them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 437). Expanding on the purpose of these trials, she notes, “It was God’s design that the years of wandering in the wilderness should be a time of restoration, a time when the children of Israel should be trained and disciplined in preparation for the possession of the Land of Canaan” (Redemption: Freedom and Hope, p. 142). Ponder the paradox of divine love: it chastens, corrects, and refines, molding us into vessels fit for His purpose. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. God delights in mercy, and He manifests His compassion before He inflicts His judgments. He teaches Israel to spare the people of Edom, before requiring them to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan (Patriarchs and Prophets, 423, 1890). If with all these tokens of His love the people still continued to complain, the Lord would withdraw His protection until they should be led to appreciate His merciful care, and return to Him with repentance and humiliation (Patriarchs and Prophets, 428, 1890). Do we recognize God’s hand in our trials, understanding that even in discipline, His unwavering love seeks our ultimate good? Let us embrace trials as opportunities for growth, trusting in the loving purpose behind every divine correction, knowing “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law” (Psalm 94:12, KJV). What, then, is my personal response, my responsibility toward the God who disciplines in love and judges with justice?

The unwavering call is to cultivate a faith that mirrors Caleb and Joshua’s—a trust anchored in divine promises, unshaken by earthly obstacles. The timeless challenge echoes: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, KJV). This choice requires a faith that is not passive but active, understanding that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, KJV). Sr. White affirms the growth inherent in facing adversity, “Faith grows strong by coming in conflict with doubts and opposing influences” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 555). She also underscores the importance of aligning our will with God’s, stating, “Living faith means a vitalizing principle, an entire dependence upon God, and a living, active energy of love working by obedience to His commands” (Faith and Works, p. 102). Introspectively consider: Am I actively choosing faith each day, fortifying it through prayer, scripture study, and obedience? My spiritual journey necessitates intentional choices – a daily leaning into God, allowing trials to strengthen, not shatter, my trust, remembering Christ’s words, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. The faith of Caleb and Joshua was in harmony with the word of God, and they would bear a good report (The Faith I Live By, 328, 1958). Like Caleb and Joshua, let us stand bravely for the truth, even if we stand almost alone (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 383, 1885). Let us commit to choosing faith, preparing ourselves for the heavenly Canaan through unwavering devotion. Reflecting on Caleb and Joshua’s courageous encouragement of a fearful nation, what role am I to play in the lives of those around me?

Just as they sought to uplift despairing hearts, I am called to be a beacon of faith, guiding others toward divine promises. The great commission resounds: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV). This teaching and encouragement extends to mutual support within the community: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes the communal aspect of truth, stating, “It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example” (Great Controversy, p. 598). She further highlights the power of collective faith, noting, “There is need of coming close to Jesus, and of seeking to impart the knowledge of Christ to those around us. There is need of earnest, persevering labor in seeking to save souls. There is need of praying with and for one another” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 437). Consider practically: Am I actively encouraging the discouraged, strengthening the wavering, sharing the gospel light with those in darkness? My faith is not meant to be a solitary flame, but a shared fire, igniting hope and courage in the hearts of my neighbors. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Encourage a spirit of true devotion, of fervent piety, that those to whom you minister may partake of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (Conflict and Courage, 366, 1970). We should encourage one another in the work of soul-saving. We should speak words of comfort and hope in the ears of the weary and burdened (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 363, 1913). Let us embrace our communal calling, becoming channels of faith, uplifting and guiding others on the journey to the promised land. But what enduring parables emerge from these wilderness narratives?

WILDERNESS PARABLES!

The wilderness narratives of Israel are not dusty relics of the past, but living parables echoing into our present. We too stand at the threshold of a promised land, the heavenly Canaan, facing the same elemental choice – fear or faith. The lessons are stark, the implications profound. Unbelief breeds stagnation and loss, while faith, though tested, blossoms into promise fulfilled. Like Caleb and Joshua, may we choose courage over cowardice, trust over trepidation, and divine assurance over human anxiety. The journey is arduous, the opposition real, but the promise remains steadfast. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. The wilderness wandering was not only ordained as a judgment upon the rebels and murmurers, but it was to serve as a discipline for the rising generation (Patriarchs and Prophets, 407, 1890). From the Red Sea the hosts of Israel again set forth on their journey, under the guidance of the pillar of cloud. The scene around them was most dreary—bare, desolate-looking mountains, barren plains, and the sea stretching far away, its shores strewn with the bodies of their enemies; yet they were full of hope, expecting soon to enter the Promised Land, and God’s promise was to them an assurance of success (Patriarchs and Prophets, 292, 1890). But how does this tapestry weave our eternal choice between faith and fear?

ETERNAL CHOICE!

In this grand tapestry of faith tested, the threads of choice are indelibly woven. Will we, like the faithless spies, allow fear to dictate our path, or will we, with Caleb and Joshua’s spirit, claim our inheritance by unwavering faith? The decision, eternally resonant, remains ours to make. May we choose wisely, choosing faith, choosing life, choosing the promised inheritance that awaits. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Talk faith. Keep on God’s side of the line. Set not your foot on the enemy’s side, and the Lord will be your Helper (Messages to Young People, 98, 1930). We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history (Life Sketches, 196, 1915).

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FAITH TESTED IN THE WILDERNESS!

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