“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the biblical account of Israel’s journey to the Promised Land, contrasting faith and fear through the spies’ mission, the consequences of unbelief, and the ultimate entry under Joshua’s leadership. It applies these lessons to the remnant church today, emphasizing God’s unwavering love, our duties to Him, and our obligations to one another.

SPIES’ DARING QUEST!

The story of Israel’s journey to the promised land, as recorded in Numbers 13 and 14, illustrates the struggles between faith and fear, trust and doubt. When Israel approached the borders of Canaan, the Lord commanded Moses to send twelve spies to survey the land. Numbers 13:1-3 (KJV) recounts, “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: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them. And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.” The mission itself was one of faith and reliance on God’s promises. Ellen G. White underscores this, stating, “God designed that the survey of the land should strengthen the faith of the Israelites. He gave them every evidence that His promise would be fulfilled, but they chose to walk by sight rather than faith” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388). Biblical passages further illustrate this through “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 1:21, KJV). Faith drives believers to possess God’s promises without discouragement. Sr. White adds, “Here it was proposed by the people that spies be sent up to survey the country. The matter was presented before the Lord by Moses, and permission was granted, with the direction that one of the rulers of each tribe should be selected for this purpose” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 387, 1890). The Scriptures also declare, “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” (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). Sr. White further states, “Moses bade them go and see the country, what it was, its situation and natural advantages; and the people that dwelt therein, whether they were strong or weak, few or many; also to observe the nature of the soil and its productiveness and to bring of the fruit of the land” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 387, 1890). God’s directive initiated a profound test of trust, but what impact would the spies’ findings have upon the congregation?

When the spies returned, ten of them gave a discouraging report, saying, “We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great” (Numbers 13:27-28, KJV). The majority focused on the obstacles rather than the blessings, describing themselves as grasshoppers compared to the inhabitants (Numbers 13:33, KJV). Their fear and unbelief caused the Israelites to rebel, lamenting, “Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would God we had died in this wilderness!” (Numbers 14:2, KJV). This response demonstrated a lack of faith in God’s power and promises, as Sr. White observes, “The murmurings of the Israelites were an insult to God. They questioned His wisdom, doubted His love, and rejected His leadership” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 389). In contrast, Joshua and Caleb spoke with courage and conviction, declaring, “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. Only rebel not ye against the LORD” (Numbers 14:8-9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “These men represented the spirit of true faith. They saw the difficulties but recognized that God’s power was greater than any obstacle” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 388). Scripture reinforces this concept with “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). Fear yields to divine power in faithful hearts. Sr. White adds, “They enumerated the powerful nations located in various parts of the country, and said that the cities were walled and very great, and the people who dwelt therein were strong, and it would be impossible to conquer them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 387, 1890). The Bible also supports with “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25, KJV). Sr. White further states, “These men, having entered upon a wrong course, stubbornly set themselves against Caleb and Joshua, against Moses, and against God. Every advance step rendered them the more determined” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 389, 1890). The division between faith and fear deepened, but what repercussions followed this widespread doubt?

The rebellion of the Israelites led to dire consequences. The Lord declared that the entire generation of unbelieving Israelites, except for Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness, saying, “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 14:29, KJV). The ten spies who brought the evil report perished by a plague before the Lord (Numbers 14:37, KJV). Sr. White reflects, “The fate of the ten spies was a solemn lesson to all Israel. Unbelief, ingratitude, and rebellion can lead only to ruin and death” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 391). Despite this, God’s promises to Joshua and Caleb endured. Numbers 14:24 (KJV) records, “But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” Their faith and obedience became a beacon of hope for the nation. Biblical passages further illustrate this through “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail” (Proverbs 22:8, KJV). Rebellion sows seeds of self-destruction. Sr. White adds, “As the spies had spent forty days in their journey, so the hosts of Israel were to wander in the wilderness forty years” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 391, 1890). The Scriptures also declare, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23, KJV). Sr. White further states, “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, 1890). Judgment underscored the cost of disbelief, but what unfolded after decades of wandering when entry beckoned anew?

JORDAN’S MIRACULOUS CROSSING!

After forty years of wandering, the time came for Israel to enter Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. God’s commission to Joshua is recorded in Joshua 1:1-6 (KJV): “Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them.” Joshua was instructed to meditate on God’s law day and night and to lead with courage and faith. Joshua 1:8 (KJV) states, “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.” Sr. White comments, “Joshua’s success as a leader depended on his faithfulness to God’s law. It was not human strength but divine guidance that would secure victory” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 482). Scripture reinforces this concept with “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them” (Joshua 1:6, KJV). Courage anchors leadership in divine assurance. Sr. White adds, “To this promise was added the injunction, ‘Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 482, 1890). The Bible also supports with “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12, KJV). Sr. White further states, “The Lord’s direction was, ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night;’ ‘turn not from it to the right hand or to the left;’ ‘for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 482, 1890). Renewed direction propelled the nation forward, but how did the actual passage into Canaan symbolize deeper reliance on God?

When Israel crossed the Jordan, they were instructed to focus on the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence and leadership (Joshua 3:3-4, KJV). This act teaches a profound lesson about trusting God’s guidance. Sr. White writes, “The Ark symbolized God’s throne and His commitment to His people. By fixing their eyes upon it, they acknowledged their dependence on Him” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 484). For believers today, this symbolizes the necessity of focusing on God’s Word and promises. Habakkuk 2:1-2 (KJV) reminds us, “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Isaiah 8:20 (KJV) further declares, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Sr. White emphasizes, “God’s Word and His testimonies are the light that illuminates the path of His people. They provide direction, correction, and encouragement” (Gospel Workers, p. 308). Biblical passages further illustrate this through “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105, KJV). God’s guidance lights the way for the faithful. Sr. White adds, “The ‘ark of the covenant’ was to lead the way before the host. When they should see the token of Jehovah’s presence, borne by the priests, remove from its place in the center of the camp, and advance toward the river, then they were to remove from their place, ‘and go after it’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 483, 1890). The Scriptures also declare, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23, KJV). Sr. White further states, “At the appointed time began the onward movement, the ark, borne upon the shoulders of the priests, leading the van. The people had been directed to fall back, so that there was a vacant space of more than half a mile about the ark” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 484, 1890). Divine symbols guided their steps, but who comprises the faithful remnant in the end times?

REMNANT’S UNYIELDING FAITH!

The remnant of Laodicea, identified in Revelation 12:17 and 19:10 (KJV), is distinguished by their faithfulness to God’s commandments and their testimony of Jesus Christ. Revelation 12:17 states, “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 explains, “The remnant are those who remain faithful to God amidst opposition and trials. Their loyalty to God’s Word will be a testimony to His love and power” (The Great Controversy, p. 608). Scripture reinforces this concept with “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). Endurance marks the saints’ commitment. Sr. White adds, “Those who have proclaimed the Seventh-day Adventist Church as Babylon, have made use of the Testimonies in giving their position a seeming support; but why is it that they did not present that which for years has been the burden of my message-the unity of the church?” (God’s Remnant Church, p. 38, 1959). The Bible also supports with “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward” (Isaiah 37:31, KJV). Sr. White further states, “They refuse the counsel of their brethren, and press on in their own way until they become just what Satan would desire to have them-unbalanced in mind” (God’s Remnant Church, p. 38, 1959). Loyalty defines the end-time faithful, but how does the journey reveal God’s character?

DIVINE LOVE’S ENDURING POWER!

The narrative of Israel’s journey reflects God’s love in His patience and commitment to His promises despite their rebellion. Sr. White writes, “God’s love is shown in His enduring mercy. Even when He chastises, it is for the purpose of restoring His people to faith and obedience” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 394). His willingness to forgive and guide them demonstrates that His love is not conditional but rooted in His desire to save His people. Biblical passages further illustrate this through “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8, KJV). Mercy defines God’s interactions with humanity. Sr. White adds, “Have we not the assurance that our heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him in faith than parents are to give good gifts to their children?” (Our High Calling, p. 120, 1961). The Scriptures also declare, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV). Sr. White further states, “If we educated our souls to have more faith, more love, greater patience, a more perfect trust in our heavenly Father, we would have more peace and happiness as we pass through the conflicts of this life” (Our High Calling, p. 120, 1961). Patience manifests divine affection, but what obligations does this impose upon believers toward their Creator?

As believers, we owe God our faith, obedience, and worship. Joshua’s call to meditate on God’s law and follow it (Joshua 1:8, KJV) serves as an example for us. Sr. White emphasizes, “Loving God means choosing to obey Him with a willing heart. It is the highest expression of gratitude for His love and blessings” (Steps to Christ, p. 61). By keeping His commandments and trusting in His Word, we honor His sovereignty and express our dependence on His guidance. Scripture reinforces this concept with “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). Love motivates genuine compliance. Sr. White adds, “We can not overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following the path of obedience in humble faith that the character attains perfection” (The Review and Herald, PH045 3.1, 1896). The Bible also supports with “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22, KJV). Sr. White further states, “The world is leagued against the truth, because it does not desire to obey the truth” (The Review and Herald, PH045 3.2, 1896). Devotion demands full surrender, but how does this extend to interactions with others?

Our responsibilities to our neighbors are rooted in the command to love others as ourselves. Just as Joshua and Caleb encouraged their fellow Israelites to trust in God, we are called to support, uplift, and guide one another in faith. Sr. White writes, “To love our neighbor means to reflect God’s love in our actions and words, pointing them to Christ through our example” (The Desire of Ages, p. 152). This includes acts of kindness, encouragement, and sharing the gospel. Loving our neighbor is a testimony of God’s love working through us. Biblical passages further illustrate this through “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV). Equity guides interpersonal bonds. Sr. White adds, “The command, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,’ is disregarded; we fail to respect the rights of our fellow-men” (The Signs of the Times, March 11, 1897, par. 3). The Scriptures also declare, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise” (Luke 6:31, KJV). Sr. White further states, “He who fulfils his duty to his neighbor must of necessity love God supremely; but he who has little love for those who are in darkness, who are in great need of the revelation of the love of Jesus, is marked in the courts of heaven as a defaulter” (The Signs of the Times, March 11, 1897, par. 13). Compassion embodies heavenly principles.

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