Articles
Turning Points in Bible History - 7
It would be hard to overstate the tragedy that occurred when Israel left Mt. Sinai and came to the southern border of Canaan (Num 13-14). It is a cautionary story about faithlessness and obstinacy that doomed a whole generation to oblivion.
The Israelites had seen the devastating plagues upon Egypt which God wrought through Moses. And they had also seen their special status confirmed via exemption from the plagues. They followed the pillar of cloud and fire as God led them to freedom, culminating in the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. They then saw the fearsome sight of God’s presence atop Mt. Sinai and were exceedingly frightened by the sound of His voice.
After all this, one would think they would march confidently into Canaan and claim it as their own. But no. What really happened was that their hearts had never been receptive to God. The love, the miracles, the provisions, the special laws … none of it made a meaningful impact on them. How is that possible?!
Attachment to the things of this world, and the carnal pleasure that comes with it, is very powerful. So powerful that the immediate presence of God cannot forcibly drive it out of us. It can be overcome, but only through an unquenchable desire for fellowship with our Maker and the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit via the resources within His word. God can work a wonderful transformation in us but only as we are humble and cooperative with Him.
