1That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud.
2All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness!
3Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?"
4And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt."
- P112
6Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes
7and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
8If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.
9Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
- P113
10But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the Israelites.
- P113
The Israelites react to the negative report from the ten spies in despair. Theygrumble against Moses and Aaron and wish they had died in Egypt or in thewilderness. They talk about appointing a new leader to take them back toEgypt. - P113
Joshua and Caleb try to encourage the people, but the people threatento stone them.- P113
After the Israelites hear the report from the spies, they weep and turn against Moses and Aaron. The people show a complete lack of faith. They respond with fear and despair and would rather return to their lives as slaves in Egypt than go forward into the promised land because they assume that they cannot defeat those who occupy it. - P114
When we forget God’s faithfulness, we respond to challenges with hopelessness. - P114
God does not promise an easy life, but He does want the best for us. - P114
When we encounter challenges, let us not give in to fear. Instead, let us intentionally choose to meet difficulties with faith and great anticipation that God will fulfill His words to us.- P114
The people talk of choosing another leader and returning to Egypt. However, Joshua and Caleb, who were among the team that explored the land, exhort the people not to rebel against God. They tell them not to be afraid because God is with Israel. The two men step forward to speak with faith to the angry crowd who responds by threatening to stone them. - P114
In our own communities, we may come across fellow believers who forget God’s past faithfulness and openly criticize those who respond with quiet trust. Let us be firm in our allegiance to God in our everyday lives so that, if such moments come, we will not be swept up in their fear but remind them that God is worthy of our faith.- P114
Meditation is sometimes understood as the emptying of the mind, but theBible teaches us to do the exact opposite. The psalms help us understandwhat it means to truly meditate on Scripture. God‘s people are called todelight as we fill our minds with His holy Word and meditate "on his lawday and night" (Ps. 1:2). - P115
The purpose of meditation is to better connectwith God and enjoy Him more: "may my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD" (Ps. 104:34).
For those who are unfamiliar with meditating on God‘s Word, one helpfultip is to first "be still" (Ps. 46:10). - P115
Find a quiet place and take the time topause and focus on Christ. Second, ask the Holy Spirit to make your hearthumble and responsive to Him. Then, read a text from Scripture, and ob-serve the "who, what, when, where, and why" of the passage. Ask yourself,
"What does this information say about God?"
one word, verse,
or idea and ponder it: "I will consider all your works and meditate on allyour mighty deeds" (Ps. 77:12). Savor the and digest it. This is anopportunity for you to let the Word of God sink deeper into your heartand mind. Next, pray about the very thing you are meditating on. Finally,
behold Christ and His glory. - P115
See how much more you adore Him! Endyour meditation time on this high note. Remember that Jesus Christ lovesyou; that is why we experience so much joy when we meditate on Him!
Passose- P115
Heavenly Father, I praise You, for You are faithful and always keep Your promises. - P115
When I am tempted to despair, remind me of Your goodness so that I may be filled with faith. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.- P115
The Lord is angry at the Israelites‘ contempt and lack of faith. He is ready todestroy them but Moses intercedes, reminding God of His promise. - P117
God forgives the people but declares that those twenty years and older will not enterthe promised land because they saw His signs yet disobeyed Him. However,
God promises to bring Caleb into the land.- P117
However, those who have been married for a while know that there issometimes a different type of sanctification that takes place in marriage. Forexample, my wife knows that I can have a temper and overreact with anger.
She helps me in my sanctification as she reminds me to be more patient andslow to anger, but she also undergoes a type of sanctification as she choosesto love me even in my weakness. She loves me as I am, independently ofwhether I change, and this is something I remind couples about in premar-ital counseling sessions.
This principle is not limited to marriage; it can apply to any relationship.
- P119
We display spiritual maturity as we learn to love people unconditionally. Werecognize that we can change with the help of the Holy Spirit and with thehelp of loving people around us. - P119
And just as God is patient with us and Hisloving kindness transforms us, we can change and grow in our sanctificationas we display patience and love toward others.- P119
