Read Numbers 14:1-25

“If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”” (Numbers 14:8–9)

How quickly fear and faithlessness can run a rampage among a congregation! Israel was right there at the border of the Promise Land, and yet they would not enter in. All of the wonders and miracles which God has wrought among them was forgotten because fear had robbed them of truth! All of the faithful acts of God had been regarded as nothing because disbelief had corrupted their hearts!

Israel was so bent on forsaking God’s blessings and promises, they even announced that it was better to have stayed in Egypt (see Numbers 14:2). Some even were petitioning for a new leader to take them back (see Numbers 14:4). Wasn’t it only just days before that they were singing and dancing on the shores of the Red Sea after God had destroyed the Egyptian army right before their eyes? How could they possibly recant? Oh, how fickle fear makes us!

Yet — there were two among them whose faith overcame fear: Caleb and Joshua. When they saw fear spread in the congregation like a cancer, they tore their clothes and spoke out boldly for God. By faith they proclaimed what God had already promised. They attempted to bring the people back to God. But it was to no avail. The people of Israel let fear rule their own hearts, rather than faith in God.

When fear rules instead of faith, it turns sensible people into a mob. Those whom we thought were spiritual turn into carnal persons, and those who seemingly sought after truth suddenly want to banish it.

Because of the faith of Caleb and Joshua, two notable things happened to them, one by the people and the other by God. First, the people sought to stone them to death just for believing God’s truth. But secondly, God guaranteed to bring them into the Promise Land for their faith.

From this we learn something of vital importance: Even though the fearful will persecute the faithful, the faithful will be honored by God!

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” (Revelation 3:12)

Dear friends, we must exercise our faith boldly because the days are evil. I pray that we may have the faith of Caleb and Joshua, even before a great crowd who would hate us because of it. We have nothing to fear with God as our strength and Christ as our salvation! (see Psalm 27:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 14:27) It is better to fear God than fear man! For God will uphold us and He alone can grant us entrance into the Promise Land where we have eternal life and rest forever.

Beloved, are you afraid or are you full of faith? Whom do you trust?

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ “Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them— Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:10–13)

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