Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If 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.
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 14:6–9).
The only thing we have to fear is ourselves! Only we can preclude the future God has for each of us. Therefore, we must fear intruding our self-centred way into our own futures. It will only complicate things. A prophet once heard God speak a word that is ours for the taking: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD – plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11).
Twelve young men stood and faced God’s future at a place called Kadesh Barnea. Ten chose their future on the basis of their anxiety and unbelief. Their names were Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, Geuel. No one ever names children after any of these men. Only a rare historian even recognizes the names.
Two men chose their future on the basis of a personal knowledge of and full commitment to, Yahweh and his plans for them. They wholly followed the Lord, and their names are still spoken thousands of years later. We still name children after them. The world needs more Calebs and Joshuas. Only such persons can lead us into the future, into the Promised Land that we need and for which we long.
Look up! Draw near to God and claim the future he has made for you!
This is an excerpt from a book This Day with the Master by Dennis Kinslaw. If you would like to buy this book please click here.