“Don Campbell – WHEN THE MAJORITY RULED IN THE CAMP OF ISRAEL -Numbers 14-15 Ref: Galatians 6:1-5”

From March 1st, 2019

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Rev. Don Campbell

Numbers 14-15

THOUGHT FOR TODAY, March 1, 2019

WHEN THE MAJORITY RULED IN THE CAMP OF ISRAEL

The 12 spies had returned from their mission and reported that the land did flow with milk and honey, but 10 of them said that Israel could not conquer the land. Democracy prevailed and the whole congregation grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to one another, ‘Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt’” (Numbers 14:4-5).

Joshua and Caleb, who had delivered the “minority report,” argued: “If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them (vv.8-10).

Not only did they reject the report, but they were also ready to stone them when the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting. God offered to destroy the entire company, men, women, and children, and start over with Moses. After Moses interceded, God said, “I have pardoned, according to your word” (v.20). This pardon, however, meant only that he would not destroy them on the spot. All of those from 20 years would die in the wilderness after having wondered there for 40 years, a year for each day the spies were in the land (Numbers 14:13-38).

After hearing God’s judgment against them, they decided to take matters into their own hands and go up against the people of the land. Moses warned that God, who would have been with them had they believed, was no longer with them and they would not succeed. As always, they had to learn the hard way. They were soundly defeated (Numbers 14:39-45).

CONNECTIONS Romans 14:19; Galatians 6:1-5

1. Ten against two was a clear majority from a human perspective, but as the meme says, “God and one is a majority.” In matters of opinion, we may vote, but what things should we consider before we cast our vote? (See Romans 14:19; Galatians 6:1-5).

2. Was the issue in Acts 15 decided by majority rule or by consensus?