For 40 Days – Day 11: The Scouts’ Reports: Context

Key Episode Scripture: Numbers chapters 13-14

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” (Numbers 13:1-2 ESVUK)

“Are we there yet?” This is a typical refrain from children on a vehicle journeying towards a pleasant place for fun. They’ll badger with that question throughout the trip despite the patience with which they’re told the nature of the journey. I can appreciate how exasperated parents can feel enduring that persistent nagging only to hear the same children outline a list of reasons why the place doesn’t quite live up to their requirements.  Even to the point that some parents bluntly state that if this is their attitude, they won’t go in and won’t go on a trip again. Often, that can be effective in getting the children to get on with what fun is available.

Sadly, the journey of Israel from Egypt to Canaan proved to be one that reached the peak of exasperation that even the Lord, slow to anger, had to reach a place of judgment that was not good news for the generation that experienced God’s mighty signs and were delivered from slavery.

That involved episodes in which the Israelites complained about not having anything to drink or eat, made an idol when Moses was up a mountain, and then complained about the lack of meat.

Forty days play a significant role in this episode at the start and the end. It will affect what happens over 40 days, as far as Jesus is concerned. The impact of this episode doesn’t just affect those in the desert. It will affect what it is to believe for followers of Jesus centuries later.

What’s at stake in this episode is a matter of faith—faith that determines our perspective on circumstances and where trust is placed in intriguing circumstances. The role that intercession plays in this episode is similar, but it’s worth considering even more urgently God’s response to that intercession.

Linked to the flood scenario is a case of a remnant surviving what is termed an “evil congregation”. Joining up these dots and noting these similarities has much to tell us who are challenged about where we place our trust.

As people on a mission, on the path of fulfilling God’s eternal purposes, we are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are not meandering and wandering aimlessly. There is somewhere we’re heading, and as we progress, we expect challenges to faith. This episode of 40 Days may help us see faith’s pivotal role in gaining a godly perspective on matters to motivate our movements on mission.

Next, we will outline the content of this episode, marking where 40 Days took place and its importance in a tragic episode.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom