“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them’” (Numbers13:1-2).
Moses chose twelve men to explore the Promised Land, one from each tribe of Israel. Each of these men was an outstanding leader with exceptional skills, power and authority. All of them are listed by name in Numbers 13 and yet only two are known by us today: Joshua and Caleb. There is a definite reason for this.
After the spies fulfilled their reconnaissance mission, they brought back a bounty of luscious fruit and described a land that “flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit” (13:27). However, in reporting their findings to Moses and Aaron, ten of them said, “The people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. … We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (13:28, 31). Full of doubt and misgivings, they were overwhelmed with a fear of being slain by the powerful enemies in Canaan.
A majority of the Israelites were ready to go along with the advice of these men, but Joshua and Caleb strongly disagreed with their assessment. They urged Israel to move on in faith, knowing God would prepare the way. These two faithful men stood apart within their faith community and the difference in them was clear in God’s eyes. He voiced it in these words to Moses, “My servant Caleb … has a different spirit and has followed Me fully” (14:24).
Both Joshua and Caleb had a right attitude exemplified by faith and courage. Because of their trust in the promises of God, they led the Israelites into the Promised Land, obtaining a rich reward. However, the unbelief of the other ten spies led them back into the wilderness, where they faded into oblivion.
Choose to believe the Word of the Lord and his promises today. Put your trust in him and he will lead you into your own promised land.