Consequences of Rebellion

“The Amalekites and Canaanites are right in front of you, and you will fall by the sword. The Lord won’t be with you, since you have turned from following Him.” (Numbers 14:43 CSB)

The negative, fear-ridden report of the 10 spies who went into Canaan sent shivers through the entire Israelite community. The people complained against Moses and Aaron and came very close to stoning them. They refused to go a step farther toward Canaan, though Caleb and Joshua both tried to persuade them that God would deliver the land into their hands. Their rebellion persisted, but as they were looking for stones the glory of God appeared before the Tent of Meeting. God spoke to Moses and nearly wiped out every last Israelite until Moses intervened on their behalf. So God passed judgment that of all the Israelites over age 20, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, would die in the wilderness over the next 40 years. When Moses communicated this word to the Israelites, some of them were overcome with grief because of their rebellion and unbelief and decided to go on up to Canaan and attack. Moses warned them to not do this because God was not going to go there with them. He warned them that they would be utterly defeated. Once again, they would not listen, and as Moses indicated, most of them died by the sword.

A very interesting point in this whole story is that these Israelites had seen the 10 plagues God performed against Egypt, had seen the shekinah glory cloud, had crossed the Red Sea on dry land, had been given water in the desert, and meat in abundance, and had been given daily food in the form of manna. In spite of everything they had seen, they still rebelled against God, Moses, and Aaron. They went the way of fear rather than faith.

If the people of God go the way of rebellion and fear rather than faith when God has challenged them to follow in faith, they will experience some consequences of their rebellion and fear. God’s timing is important, and it is important to follow Him in a timely way. When God says it is time for something to happen, the people of God need to follow in faith, trusting the power of God to achieve what God wants to happen.

The reality is this: God’s power and strength are able to help us achieve everything God asks of us. Fear and rebellion rise up only when we are dependent on our own strength. As Paul said, “When I am weak, that is when I am strong.” That strength comes from the Almighty.

Lord, Help us today to rely on Your strength to achieve Your purposes in and through our lives. Help us to follow You fully in faith. Amen.