Scripture: Numbers 14
1. The Protest and Rebellion vs. 1-12
Now when the children of Israel see the giants keeping them from the land they start to complain.
God’s plan for our lives often takes us through the most difficult paths in order to grow us spiritually.
Bu there is the risk to become negative and negativity is contagious. It started with just 10 people being negative and then it spread to all of the people of Israel.
That is why we have to be careful of negativity in the church, in our homes, and even in our workplaces.
But what does God say about criticism and negativity?
First we have to understand what criticism and negativity are.
Now God allows us to go through very difficult times and extreme trials to grow us spiritually.
Look at were 9.
“Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.” (Numbers 14:9).
So when we complain as the children of Israel did, when we spread negativity we are actually rebelling against God.
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:23).
God relates rebellion, a critical spirit, and arrogance to idolatry and witchcraft.
Why? Because if you fear or are more worried about a situation or circumstance than you trust that God is in control then it has become your God.
The witchcraft comes in because the negativity is a like a spell that enchants people to go against God.
Remember when you are going through a hard time, or there is something going on you don't like, or a leader you disagree with, know that God is using it to grow you. God is still in control, are you trusting Him?
That doesn't mean that you cannot address issues that you have concerns with.
However, we must go about it Scripturally and here is a correct way to address concerns if you have them with someone Biblically.
Matthew 18 tells us that you go to them one on one, then take two or three with you, and then if the situation is not resolved bring it before the full body of the church.
That means you don't gossip to others, be critical of them, or spread negativity, instead you go directly to that person and share your concerns with them.
2. The Petition and Repentance vs. 13-19
Now even though the people have rebelled against him Moses still prays and makes intercession on behalf of the people.
This demonstrates the divine characteristics not of Moses but of God.
Living a life that looks clean and good is great, but you will make the most impact when you show kindness and love to someone.
Intercession is a powerful weapon in the toolbox of the Christian.
Remember Abraham making intercession.
In Genesis 18 Abraham started with asking God that if there was 50 righteous people in the city if God would spare it. When God agreed Abraham lowered the number to 45, then 40, then 30, then 20, and finally 10.
I pray that ten righteous might be found in America and we be sparred.
I believe that the intercession of the saints is what is keeping God from judging us now.
3. The Pardon and Redemption vs. 20-38
Make no mistake God will not be mocked or rebelled against.
It is worth noting that the Israelites did not murmur at any of the laws or ordinances that God gave them, instead they murmured at the leadership they were under and the provision made for them.
It is always easier to bring ourselves to the external services of religion and observe all the rules than to live a life of dependent upon and submitted unto God's sovereignty .
Now these people had already seen God do all kinds of miracles but they still did not believe.
This is where God promises punishment, not to be vengeful, or even out of hatred, but it was to bring them to repentance.
But make no mistake their are consequences for our actions.
In verse 34 God tells them they are going to wonder 1 year for every day they searched the land. That is why the Israelites wondered for 40 years.
Now God here is bringing the punishment and plagues to force the younger Israelite into repentance.
Look again in verse 37 and you will notice that all those people that brought evil reports of the land died.
However, Joshua and Caleb were protected.
When others around you are negative and critical, stay positive, know that God is in control, love those around you and be positive, and God will ultimately reward you.
4. The Presumption and Religion vs. 39-45
Now the Israelite have a change of heart.
The talk of finding a captain to lead them back to Egypt has stopped.
However, they are to late, they did not seek the Lord when He could be found.
That is why the Bible says today is the day of salvation.
If you need to get right with God do it now because if you wait it may be to late.
Now look, the Israelites now decide to try to take the land of Canaan and they went ahead and went into battle.
The problem was that neither Moses nor the Ark went with them.
That symbolized the Spirit of God was not with them.
I have seen where people maybe who are experiencing alcoholism, or anger, or sexual immorality, that will even come to church, or you can witness to them, but they say no I can do this. They might say I do don't need God I have the will power to do it.
Then they go to battle against the giants in their lives without the Lord and they end up defeated.
Some even literally die, and countless others never experience their Canaan, their land of promised victory.
However, what is even more tragic is a Christian that doesn't even realize that the spirit of God has left them.
They may get so rebellious that God removes His protection.
Remember Samson?
“Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him.” (Judges 16:20).
Make sure that you get right with God and then you stay right with God.
There is a reason we call Christ the Lord.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).
How do we know that we know the Lord and He is with us?
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.” ( 1 John 2:3).
Let us turn to the Lord and and ask Him to help us follow Him in all our ways.
Closing:
