Perhaps you have learned the hard way. Even when the odds seem to be stacked in your favor, you should never guarantee a victory. They are called upsets for a reason—an unexpected outcome despite the odds. What if God guarantees a victory? Is that different?
The Israelites had witnessed the effect that the ten plagues had had on Egypt. Following the tenth plague, the Israelites fled, and God provided a dry escape route through the Red Sea. He then wished His people to take possession of the Promised Land, guaranteeing a victory over its inhabitants. Moses told them, “Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 1:21) So why didn’t they?
They wanted to know what they were up against first. Twelve spies, one from each tribe, were sent to investigate the land and the people who lived there. They returned after forty days and reported that the land indeed “flowed with milk and honey,” but “the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large.” (Numbers 13:27-28) They especially noted the descendants of Anak, giants, to whom they comparatively would appear as grasshoppers. Ten of the twelve spies convinced the people that they should not enter the land. This led to weeping and complaining among the Israelites. Some even blamed the Lord for freeing them from the Egyptians. “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! . . . Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword?” (Numbers 14:2-3) Of the twelve spies, only Joshua and Caleb trusted in God to give them success. For saying as much, the people desired to stone them.
The spies return
Because of their disobedience and lack of trust in the Lord, He caused them to wander forty years in the wilderness, a year for each day they spied in the land. Of all those aged twenty and older, only Joshua and Caleb would be allowed to enter the Promised Land. The ten spies who showed a lack of faith soon died of a plague.
What you may not recall from this Bible account, however, is how the Israelites reacted after God pronounced judgment on them. They suddenly said, “We have sinned against the Lord; we will go up and fight, just as the Lord our God commanded us.” (Deuteronomy 1:41) Does this response remind you of a child after hearing the disciplinary consequences of the child’s actions? “No, no, please, I’ll be good. I’ll do what I’m supposed to do now.” “Too late! You don’t get a do-over,” says the parent.
But, STOP! Before we begin to suppose that we belong to the group that includes Joshua and Caleb rather than the group with the ten spies and the disciplined child, let us evaluate our own faith responses. In spite of God guaranteeing our victory over sin, death, and the devil, how often do we act as though we are on the losing side? How often do we murmur and complain and doubt God’s promises in spite of all His faithfulness to us? How often do we fear earthly opponents even though we should know God’s power over them is unquestionable? And how often do we want a do-over after disobeying His clear commands?
Thank God that His love for us is in spite of us rather than because of us. May His Holy Spirit work in us the faith that Joshua showed in his witness: “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
is a professor at Immanuel Lutheran College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.