February 12, 2025 - Numbers 13-16

Moses sends out the spies into Canaan:  “And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs” (13:23).  When back with Israel, they reported, “We came to the land to which you sent us.  It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.  However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large” (13:27–28).  We so often act and respond to God in the very same way:  “Wow, look at the possibilities, God!  However . . .”  It’s a display of a lack of faith and trust in God.  I mean, how many times must God show himself to be faithful?  Over and over again, he can say to us, “We’ve been here, before.  I’ve taken care of you, before.  You have seen my faithfulness in the past.  Why can you not trust me in the present?”  Oh, how foolish and silly we can be!  Let us testify, though, that our God is faithful, all the time!

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater;

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase.

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy;

To multiplied trials He multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit; His grace has no measure.

His pow’r has no boundary known unto men.

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!   --Annie Johnson Flint (1997)