“They spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge.” Numbers 13:32
Introduction
In a world teeming with opinions, challenges, and uncertainties, the quest for truth is often clouded by fear and doubt. The story of the Israelites as they approached the Promised Land is a powerful illustration of this struggle. Faced with the daunting task of claiming a land filled with formidable inhabitants, most of the scouts sent to survey Canaan returned with a report grounded in fear.
They saw only the obstacles, the giants, and the insurmountable challenges. Yet, amidst their voices of doubt, two men—Joshua and Caleb—stood firm, holding fast to the higher truth of God’s promise.
As we explore what it means to stand for the higher truth, we are reminded that this stance is not passive. It is an active, courageous decision to align our perspective with God’s, to prioritize His promises over our fears, and to walk in obedience even when the path seems impossible. This is the essence of faith, and it is the foundation upon which we build a life that truly honors God.
Key Scripture -Numbers 13:26-33
REPORT ABOUT CANAAN
The men went back to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite community in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for them and the whole community, and they showed them the fruit of the land. They reported to Moses: “We went into the land where you sent us.
Indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey, and here is some of its fruit. The Amalekites are living in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.”
Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!” But the men who had gone up with him responded, “We can’t go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!”
So, they gave a negative report to the Israelites about the land they had scouted: “The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size. We even saw the Nephilim there.” (The offspring of Anak were descended from the Nephilim.) “To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them.”
Facing Giants: Faith versus Fear
Moses had sent twelve scouts into the Promise land-not to figure out whether the land could be taken but to develop some strategies for the best way to do it – and most of them come back completely paralyzed by fear. All they could see was how overwhelming the task was. From their perspective, there were giants and obstacles and all sorts of opposing forces. But two of the scouts had a better perspective, one that lined up with what God had already spoken. The obstacles and opposition were real, they said, but so was God’s promise.
After all, this was the Promised Land. But the critics outnumbered the men of faith, and the listening crowd panicked. The nation was consigned to wander for another generation.
Critics have that kind of power, unfortunately. What they say may be true, but they rarely emphasize the higher truth of what God has said. They limit themselves to a human perspective and ignore the possibility of a divine one. And the world is full of such voices.
Sadly, so is the church. “It won’t work” is a convincing statement, and it has shot down numerous God -given visions throughout history. Plans should be cautious and well considered, and appropriate objections should be raised, but when God has guided, when his words are at stake, objection pale in comparison. When God has spoken, the voices of critics need to fade away. With God, no obstacle is insurmountable.
Criticism is easy, but faith and vision actually make things happen. Don’t be one of those people who point out all the problems without ever offering any solutions. God tends to satisfy visionaries, not critics. Even when visions falter, they still get us further than any lack of vision ever will. Choose to see from a God-centered perspective, and then step into the vision you’ve been given. He will lead you faithfully into lands of promise.
Conclusion
As we strive to live out this higher truth, let us remember that faith is not the absence of fear, but the refusal to be controlled by it. It is choosing to trust in God’s promises over our perceptions, and to walk in obedience even when the journey is fraught with difficulties. By standing for the higher truth, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door to His blessings, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from walking in His ways.
As we stand for higher truths, we are reminded of the timeless words from the hymn “MHB 608 Captain of Israel’s Host”
1.Captain of Israel’s host, and guide
of all who seek the land above,
beneath your shadow we abide,
the cloud of your protecting love;
our strength, your grace; our rule, your word:
our end, the glory of the Lord.
2.By your unerring Spirit led,
we shall not in the desert stray;
we shall not full direction need,
nor miss our providential way;
as far from danger as from fear
while love, almighty love, is near.
Prayer
Lord, give me vision that comes from your perspective and fits your purposes, and make me resistant to all who would poke holes in it. Give me the discernment to know the difference between constructive advice and destructive criticism. May my faith endure through all opposition. Amen Stay Blessed!
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