Better Than Grapes of Eshcol

I hadn't planned on posting today, but sometimes things God reveals are too amazing and exciting to keep to yourself!  I am always delighted to discover new things in what was familiar like when Jesus spoke from the cross, "My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?" and I learned He was reciting the first line of Psalm 22.  Realising Psalm 22 was connected to Jesus the Messiah who suffered on Calvary deepened my understanding of the pointed statement Jesus made to orthodox Jews which was previously lost on me.  He spoke in the hearing of people who fulfilled the word verbatim written by David a thousand years before in their accusations against Him.

After God brought the children out of Egypt with mighty wonders, at His command Moses sent one ruler of each tribe into Canaan to spy out the land God had given them.  After surveying the land for 40 days, taking stock of strongholds, fortifications, and the people, the spies brought back ripe fruit of the land.  Numbers 13:23-24 says, "Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. ²⁴ The place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the men of Israel cut down there."  The 12 spies returned with good fruit of the land but 10 of them gave a bad report because they were afraid of the mighty people who dwelt there.  Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes, exhorting the people to trust God and enter in.  Tragically unbelief prevailed and God swore that generation would not enter in.

Fast forward 40 years later after the death of the high priest Aaron, Moses the servant of God, and the entire generation which did not believe.  Joshua sent two spies to spy out the land--especially Jericho.  These spies went to the house of a harlot named Rahab, a residence where the coming and going of men was like clockwork.  The king was alerted to the presence of these foreigners and he commanded Rahab produce the men.  It turned out Rahab was an unexpected ally despite being an alien of the commonwealth of Israel and a harlot:  she protected the men and hid them because she feared God, convinced the God of the Hebrews was the only God and would overthrow Jericho.  After sending the king's men on a merry chase in the wrong direction, she said in Joshua 2:16:  "Get to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. Hide there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward you may go your way."

Before she let the spies down through the window by a scarlet cord to escape, Rahab begged she and her family would be spared when the Hebrews stormed the city.  The safety of Rabah and her family was agreed upon by the spies on three conditions:  she was not to discuss the business of the spies, was to continue to hang the scarlet rope from her window, and all who would be saved needed to remain in her home.  If these conditions were broken so the spies would be free of their promise to save her and her family.  Joshua 2:22-24 says, "They departed and went to the mountain, and stayed there three days until the pursuers returned. The pursuers sought them all along the way, but did not find them. ²³ So the two men returned, descended from the mountain, and crossed over; and they came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all that had befallen them. ²⁴ And they said to Joshua, "Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us."

Joshua 6 tells of the fall of the accursed city Jericho and how Rahab and her entire family was indeed spared.  What we are not told in Joshua is the woman who was once a harlot and without child in Jericho later married a man of Judah named Salmon and gave birth to a son.  We read in the New Testament of the lineage of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:5 says:  "Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse..."  Not only was the life of Rahab spared but she joined together with the Jewish people in the fear of God and was the great-great-grandmother of King David.  Can you fathom the depths of God's grace, to reward faith in Him with such fruitfulness?

Moses sent 12 spies and they brought back the fruit of the land:  only two brought a favourable report.  Joshua sent two spies and they brought back word of good fruit of another and more enduring kind.  In an accursed place fit for destruction they discovered a harlot who heard of God's mighty works and believed Him--unlike the 10 faithless spies who refused to enter in.  A Gentile woman exhibited faith in God, protected them, and begged for salvation.  It is no coincidence they were told to wait in a mountain three days, even as Jesus after His crucifixion and death remained buried in a tomb and rose on the third day, bringing life and salvation to all who trust in Him.  Do you see it?  Better than the grapes of Eshcol was the report of the faith of Rahab and the gracious God who is victorious and able to save those under the curse of sin and death.

The grapes of Eshcol were bountiful and refreshing, but infinitely more fruitful is faith which moves us to love and obey God.  Those who ate of the grapes were soon hungry and thirsty for more, but those who abide in the Vine Jesus Christ bear much lasting fruit for the kingdom of God.  The life of Rahab is a testimony of the overcoming victory of our faith through Jesus Christ.  Hebrews 11:31 says, "By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace."  Those who receive the Prince of Peace Jesus will not perish but have eternal life--life that can be retained and passed on to others by the power of the Gospel.  Like Rahab our sins have been many, and we who have been forgiven much ought to love God much.

Be Clothed With Humility

Most of us have closets which contain many options of clothes and shoes to suit the occasion.  We have clothes we wear to the office, formal gatherings, to paint or do yardwork, or pajamas to sleep in.  Our future plans and activities make an impact on clothes we wear.  Our wardrobe decisions are also affected depending if we are hosting guests or are home alone.  Many clothes we wear to "dress up" can be stifling and uncomfortable, and it is a pleasant feeling to change from these tight or complicated garments into loose, breathable fabric.  After wearing boots or tight shoes all day what a relief it is to pull them off!

Whilst our favourite clothes may not be appropriate to wear every day, there is one thing followers of Jesus ought to be clothed with at all times:  humility.  See what 1 Peter 5:1-5 says:  "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; ³ nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; ⁴ and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. ⁵ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Just like we spend a few moments in the morning to determine what clothes we will wear based on where we are going and what we will be doing, thoughtful to match colours and footwear, we ought to ensure we clothe ourselves with humility.  It is ironic how we can take pride in our appearance and apparel and judge others for their questionable or (in our minds) inappropriate attire!  Regardless of our age or place in the body of Christ the church, we are called to be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility.  We must submit to God to be thus clothed.  To humble ourselves before men requires we first submit ourselves before our glorious God, and our humility before men indicates how well we are doing this or not.  Jesus provides a perfect of example of what being clothed with humility looks like.  Humility was the posture of His heart, a decision in His mind, and displayed through His life.

Paul exhorted believers in Philippians 2:3-8:  "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴ Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."  Jesus humbled Himself though He was righteous, esteeming others as better than Himself.  He cared for other people more than His own life, choosing the role of a bondservant and was obedient to death.

The next time you change clothes or consider what to wear, choose to be clothed with humility.  In every activity and interaction decide humility is most appropriate and fitting clothing for you.  The flesh is not comfortable to be clothed with humility, but remember "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  Being clothed with humility for Spirit-filled believers is a place of rest in Christ even whilst bearing our cross.

Seek God and Live

"For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: "Seek Me and live; ⁵ but do not seek Bethel,nor enter Gilgal, nor pass over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing."

Amos 5:4-5

During our study of the book of Amos at Calvary Chapel Sydney the LORD has impressed upon me the importance of seeking Him.  Religious activity was in full swing in the northern kingdom of Israel, but the people worshiped the works of their own hands.  They went to "holy" sites like Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, places of antiquity where pillars and monuments had been set up by the patriarchs--not for worship, but in response to the revelation of God, His presence, and covenant.  When Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, Isaac dug a well in Beersheba, Joshua directed the elders to set up a monument of stones from the Jordan in Gilgal, or Jacob set up a stone in Bethel it was never intended to be the idolatrous shrines their descendants made them.

It is good to seek God in worship and prayer, but it is possible to do these activities without seeking God at all.  We can read the Bible and learn something new without having intentionally sought God.  When I visited Israel I went to many ancient biblical sites but there is no power or holiness in the stones walked upon by Jesus.  Many times I have stood by the Western Wall and even walked on the Temple Mount but proximity to where Solomon's temple once stood does not aid God in hearing prayers or answering them.  I have witnessed pilgrims from all over the world tour sites and it is common to see them caressing or kissing the ancient stones where it is believed by some the dead body of Jesus once lay, moved by the experience.

There is nothing wrong with visiting Israel and the many historical sites of interest, but like Bethel and Gilgal buildings and stones will all come to nothing.  A stone touched by Jesus is nothing, but Jesus is the Rock of Salvation we are to build our lives upon by faith in Him.  Man's natural inclination is to reverence and place great value on what is old, famous, or of monetary worth.  We classify relics and ruins as "priceless" because a price cannot be placed upon the immense historical value.  Is not the presence of God what made Jerusalem a special place?  I have been blessed by visits to Israel, but a person need not go to the Old City to experience the abundant Christian life God gives by grace.

If we will worship and honour God, seeking to express our love to Him, it is not the kissing of stones or bowing in ancient crypts He requires from us.  If we love Him, we ought to love one another--even our enemies.  No one is closer to God by a trip to Israel, but we draw near when we seek and obey Him.  Micah 6:8 says, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"  Doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly has everything to do with our conduct towards other people in light of God we have sought.  1 John 4:20 makes the connection clear:  "If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"  Kissing a stone does not show love for Jesus, but through faith loving people does.

Based on Amos 5:4-5 it seems the children of Israel sought Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba as a substitute for seeking God.  It is vital to understand we too can adopt the same error, imagining we are making sacrifices for God when our sole aim is (on some level) to please ourselves.  Our gifts, service, and sacrifices unto the LORD is the effect of seeking Him, not offered as a bribe so we might find Him.  Those who seek God will find Him, having believed the promises of His Word.  We are wise to seek God as if our life depends upon it because He is our life.

Labouring Together to Enter

When the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh looked upon the prime cattle country east of the Jordan, they requested that land be deemed their inheritance.  At first Moses was angry with them for stopping short of entering the land of promise, but they assured him they did not shrink from the task which lay before them of driving out the enemies so all tribes could enter their inheritance.  They would pass over Jordan armed for battle to assist their brethren obtain the land God allotted to each one, and then they would return to their own families on the east side of the river.  In the end Moses agreed to the request of the three tribes, and they also kept their word to fight beside their brethren.

In 1 Corinthians 10:11 Paul explained what happened concerning the children of Israel in the Old Testament had been provided as relevant examples for Christians today.  Like the children of Israel had been given an inheritance and rest they needed to labour to enter so it is for us as followers of Jesus.  We have an inheritance and reward in heaven to be sure, but that is not the picture of Canaan--full of strongholds, idols, and enemies to be overcome.  Every follower of Jesus Christ has a place and function in the Body of Christ, spiritual gifts, and good works God has prepared for us to enter into.  What the example of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh confirms is we have a role to help other Christians walk in the victorious and fruitful inheritance God has given us by grace.  And guess what?  We need the help of others too.  As much as we like to think we are sufficient, no one is capable of victory in isolation any more than a hand severed from a body can wield a sword.

As I think back upon my younger days I realise many of my relationships with fellow believers had very little to do with Christ:  I did little to intentionally help others win the personal battles they struggled with, nor did I openly share concerning the obstacles or enemies which hindered me from entering into greater faith and reliance upon Jesus.  Having Christian friends was a good thing, but how much better if we would have supported and held each other accountable to follow Jesus like the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did in following through with their commitment to serve.  They said as one man to Joshua in Joshua 1:18, "Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."  Okay, maybe that is a bit extreme--but you see what I mean.  Their determination to obey Joshua together ought to mark the lives of believers who aim to walk in obedience to our sovereign King Jesus.

What amazes me is the tribes of Ruben, Gad, and Manasseh did not place the burden of accountability upon Joshua to keep them in line but policed themselves at the expense of their own lives.  It is true making a promise and actually following through are two different things, but the intent of these tribes to obey Joshua and help their brethren is commendable and admirable.  All Christians are on equal footing before our Saviour Jesus Christ as sheep of His pasture, and we are called to work together to see all enter into the rest God has provided by His grace.  There yet remains a rest for us to enter, and let us labour as one in humility and grace to enter in.