Today I read Deuteronomy 1, where Moses talks about God’s guidance to leave, how leaders are chosen and should behave, and that lack of faith, murmuring and complaining is what kept them in the wilderness so long. Today I considered that God sometimes does not act because we lack faith.
Change, Leadership, and Lack of Faith
Moses told them it was time for change, reminded them of the duties of leaders and why they were still in the wilderness now (Deuteronomy 1:1-46). Moses told the people that God told him they had dwelt long enough on that mountain and it was time to start taking the territory God had promised their forefathers and had prepared for them. Moses reminded the people they had grown in number such that wise men were appointed leaders within the tribes, some over many and some over fewer people. These leaders were to be fair in hearing everyone including strangers. If the case is too hard, they are to bring it to Moses. Moses reminded them of the 12 spies that went into the promised land, told them the land was good, brought fruit to show the people, but the people murmured and complained. The people feared going against larger people who had walled cities. God was angered at their lack of faith, said they would not see the promised land but their children along with Caleb and Joshua, who had faith, would see the promised land. God was not with them when they tried to change their minds and fight anyway.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
God supports those who have faith in Him and His Word. Moses reminded the younger generation that their parents could have already been in the promised land, but because they lacked faith, they had to live in the wilderness for 40 years. Lack of faith can keep people in hard, difficult, and sometimes awful situations. Reading the Bible and knowing about God’s love for us is demonstrated through Jesus Christ, can give people faith. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17 NIV). We have to choose to Walk by Faith.
What passage in the Bible encourages you to have faith?