Deuteronomy is a fascinating book that recounts what is written in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. The beginning recounts the failure of the people to follow
Moses’ instructions which he had received from God regarding entering the Promised Land. Moses gave us the events that transpired in a nutshell. In Deuteronomy 1:26-28, we see what happened to the people who, at one time, were firmly ready to enter the Promised Land but now were refusing to go. Things can change so quickly. One moment we are walking in faith; the next moment, we are murmuring in doubt. What happened to them happens to us, both independently and collectively, as a church. Many churches seem to be experiencing great blessings one moment and then lose their way entirely. We can learn how to avoid this by studying what happened to the Israelites. Our goal is to warn ourselves about losing God’s blessings because of our doubts. Let us examine the excuses for their actions.
NOTWITHSTANDING YE WOULD NOT GO UP, BUT REBELLED AGAINST THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD YOUR GOD:
When all is said and done, disobedience to God is rebellion. Just as Saul was guilty of rebellion when he failed to obey the commands of God, the Israelites rebelled in their disobedience.
Before we begin to make excuses, we need to recognize that excuses are only necessary when we disobey. Obedience needs not to make excuses. We live a life of excusing our disobedience because our hearts have rebelled against God’s commands. We must obey God no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem.
AND YE MURMURED IN YOUR TENTS,…
Murmuring always follows rebellion and disobedience. Murmuring among God’s people is like the rumbling of an engine about to break down. It indicates that something is seriously wrong. When God’s people murmur, it is because they have not obeyed God fully. When we sit around and make excuses for our disobedience, we are showing the rebellion in our hearts. God always hates when His people murmur.
…BECAUSE THE LORD HATED US, HE HATH BROUGHT US FORTH OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, TO DELIVER US INTO THE HAND OF THE AMORITES, TO DESTROY US.
Somehow, God always takes the blame. Whether we admit it or not, our disobedience is because we do not trust God. Look at how they blamed God for what they did.
- They questioned God’s This borders on blasphemy; yet, we often accuse God of not loving us the way we think He should. God is love, and He always loves us even when His commands seem difficult.
- They questioned God’s They accused God of purposely delivering them into the hands of their enemies.
- They questioned God’s Rather than trusting in His goodness, they accused God of trying to destroy them.
God gets a great deal of blame from His people. God’s purposes are always based upon His love, His faithfulness, and His goodness.
WHITHER SHALL WE GO UP? OUR BRETHREN HAVE DISCOURAGED OUR HEART,…
They blamed the spies for discouraging them. When we finish blaming God, we start blaming others. Disobedience looks for someone else to blame. Saul blamed the people for his disobedience. Blame is the child of disobedience.
…THE PEOPLE IS GREATER AND TALLER THAN WE;…
Self-reflection is a sign of our lack of faith in God. It did not matter that there were more of the enemy, nor did it matter how big they were. God is greater than all of them. When the enemy seems too big, it is a reflection that we see God as being too small.
…THE CITIES ARE GREAT AND WALLED UP TO HEAVEN;…
There are no obstacles too big for God. If we are seeing our obstacles more than we are seeing our opportunities, it is because we are seeing ourselves more than we are seeing our God. We must keep our eyes on the Lord. There are no walls strong enough to withstand Him. There are no cities too great for Him to overthrow. God is mightier than our biggest obstacles.
…WE HAVE SEEN THE SONS OF THE ANAKIMS THERE.
Moses warned the people not to fear the Anakims. These enemies of God’s people were known for being fierce warriors. We all face enemies that seem too big for us to defeat. I John 4:4 says, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. We must never allow the enemies of God to stand between us and obeying God’s commands.
Our victories are no greater than our willingness to obey God by faith. Victories are not dependent upon how easy the battle appears. Victories are won when we trust God against all odds and believe that He will bring the victory for us.
Pastor Neal, through his preaching and his counseling, displays the compassionate heart of a pastor, follows the true leading of the Holy Spirit, and expresses a fervent desire to see lost souls come to know Christ. It is his ultimate desire to see the greater Jacksonville area reached for the cause of Christ and for revival to come to Northeast Florida.
