Silence hung over the community.   Fear and regret seized the people’s hearts.  A growing grief gripped their emotions as the reality and magnitude of their sin became clear.  “The ten men Moses had sent to explore the land–the ones who incited rebellion against the LORD with their bad report–were struck dead with a plague before the LORD” (Numb. 14:36-38).  Of the twelve spies, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive.

“How long will these people treat me with contempt?” the LORD said to Moses when the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to the Israelites at the Tabernacle.  “Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?  How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me?  Again and again they have tested me….  Because you have complained against me, you will not enter and occupy the land I promised you” (Numb 14:11,22,27,29-30).

“BUT my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have.  He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored” (Numb. 14:24).

Lord, once again I pray today that you would help me be a Caleb.  May I not be discouraged by the size of the obstacles, but may I be driven by faith in the power of my God.  May my attitude be full of faith as I keep my focus on you and your desire to take me to the “Promised Land.”  Make me a Caleb.  Make me a Joshua.  Amen!