In the Old Testament book of the Bible, throughout chapter 13 of Numbers, we find Israel in a unique situation in that they are at a point in their history where they can enter the promised land of Canan.
Finally being released from Egypt, God instructs Moses to send out a spy from each of the 12 tribes of Israel to explore this new land. So they went to explore the land of milk and honey, and lo and behold, it was rich in resources, as indicated in verse 27.
All of the leaders acknowledged that the land “flowed” in milk and honey but that there were Giants in the land with fortified cities and Israel would be devoured if they tried to enter. Ten of the leaders spread this negative report throughout the community and as a result, all of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The people started voicing their opinion that they should just go back to Egypt.
It is at this crucial point in time that Caleb of the tribe of Judah spoke up and disagreed. Caleb said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.“
Further support from Moses and Aaron fell on deaf ears with the Israelites wanting to stone the two leaders.
To make a long story short, God did forgive Israel for its rebellion but for 40 years after, the Isrealities had to wander in the wilderness until that rebellious generation died off. Of the 12 leaders of the tribes of Israel, only Caleb and Joshua had a good report and both survived and both entered the promised land. In reading more about Caleb, he is described as having a “different spirit.”
In today’s day and age, we need more Calebs. There is a huge difference in seeing a situation and how you see it. Yes, Caleb and Joshua saw that there were Giants in the land but that was not going to deter them from what was promised to them.
Canada is our promised land, strong and free, and yes, there may be Giants in the land but we as a nation, province, region and city of Thorold need a Caleb spirit. This being a spirit of faith, a faith knowing that together we can conquer the Giants of polarization, taxes, homlessness, poverty, and the list goes on.
The nation of Israel was willing to come out of bondage but not willing to continue the dream of entering into the promised land out of fear. The question is are we as a community willing to see issues collectively in a different light?
The comfort of the past can keep us from our exciting future because we fear the Giants.
