Contemplative Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 1:22-23 (New Living Translation)

22 “But you all came to me and said, ‘First, let’s send out scouts to explore the land for us. They will advise us on the best route to take and which towns we should enter.’

23 “This seemed like a good idea to me…

Moses is telling a new generation of the people a history from a prior generation. On the doorstep of the promise land flowing with milk and honey, they prior generation comes to Moses:

“First, let’s send out scouts to explore the land for us.”

And for Moses, this seemed like a good idea. If I were there and then, I would probably have thought the same. Hmmm, good idea.

Of course, it was an awful idea. Scouts explored the land and reported disaster if they entered the place promised by God. The cities were too big. The walls were too thick. The people were to numerous. The giants were, well, they were giants.

The people fell apart emotionally. The refused to follow God’s leader. Then they changed their minds and rushed in without God’s blessing. Disaster.

But it seemed like a good idea. How many good ideas are MY IDEAS, not God’s? How many times to I follow my thoughts instead of God’s? The answer is simple but hurtful. The answer to both questions is, “Too many.” God, help me in my unbelief.