Kadesh

Testing the Lord – Kadesh-Barnea and Wilderness Wanderings (Numbers 13-14, Deut 1:19-46)

Kadesh-Barnea is a tragic illustration of unbelief in that it was committed by a redeemed and blessed nation (Rom 9:4-5).

Conceived by the people (Deut 1:22-23) the spies' reconnaissance ended in disaster when ten of the twelve spread an evil report. When the people revolted against the Lord He intervened (Numb 14:1-10).

Nature of Unbelief

At its very nature unbelief is evil (Heb 3:12). Insolent it calls into question God's character (Numb 14:3, Matt 11:19) and rebellious it rejects His sovereignty (Numb 14:4, Ps. 2:3). It is wilfully ignorant in the face of revelation (Ex 13:21-22, 14:19-20, 28-31). Ungratefully spurning His grace (Numb 14:4, Deut 1:21) it callously offends Him (Numb 14:11, Heb 11:6). Foolish it does not fear His wrath (Numb 14:10, Heb 12:29) and deceitful it betrays a confidence in self (Numb 14:44, Heb 3:13). Irrational it calls the Truth (Numb 14:3, John 14:6) a liar. It is the sin that leads to death (Gen 3:1-7, Numb 14:27, 37, John 3:18, 16:9).

Consequences of Unbelief

Their failure to trust Him grieved God – He mentioned their testings by number (Numb 14:22).

Fresh from his experience in the rock's cleft Moses appealed to God's glory and character as an argument against dispossessing His people (Numb 14:11-19).

God pardoned the people but decreed that He would reveal His glory by disciplining them.

The ten died of the plague and except for Joshua and Caleb all those over twenty in the last census (Numb 1) were sentenced to wander for thirty-eight years until each one died in the wilderness. Today the age of accountability may vary but God still uses this principle (Gen 18:25, 2 Sam 12:23).

Still the innocent were delayed thirty-eight years before they could enter the land. Today many children suffer because of a parent's sin and leaders have inflicted a whole country. Furthermore it is tragic when a believer's sin hurts their local church and Christ's testimony (1 Cor 5:6).

Today believers can also come under God's corrective discipline (1 Cor 11:30) but we can submit to it knowing that we are his children (Heb 12:5-11).

Aside from a few events at the beginning (Num 15-19, Ps 90) scripture is silent on this period. Similarly our lives will be unremarkable if we choose wandering over possessing.

Possessing by faith

Having been saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10) we must also walk by faith (Rom 14:23, Col 2:6) and in Christ we have enabling grace (2 Cor 12:9, Phil 4:13).

Possessing experientially all God has blessed us with in Christ (Eph 1:3) is the only way to please Him and to live a fruitful life.

Believing we have eternal life we can now live with assurance

A new creation in Christ (Eph 2:1, 2 Cor 5:17) we belong to a new race made up of Jews and Gentiles.

Partakers of Christ (2 Pet 1:4) we have been given eternal life (Eph 2:1, Heb 3:14, 1 John 5:11-13).

Receiving the Holy Spirit (Heb 6:4) we have God's seal that we are His (Rom 8:9) and that He is our Father (John 20:17, Rom 8:16).

In Christ (Gal 2:20) we now have assurance that we can live a godly life to reflect our heavenly position; an abundant life that is both effective and rewarding (2 Pet 1:3); and a victorious life over the world, the flesh and the devil.

Believing in our heavenly citizenship we can now live as ambassadors

Delivered from darkness we have been placed in the Son's kingdom (Col 1:13). His throne is in heaven and all authority has been given to Him (Matt 28:18).

As ambassadors we owe our allegiance to heaven. Our goals, ambitions and desires should reflect this (Col 3:1-2) until He calls us home.

As heavenly citizens (Phil 3:20), our words and actions are carried out in the name of Christ (Col 3:17) and while serving earthly masters we serve Him (Eph. 6:5-7).

Facing obstacles that could test our allegiance we're exhorted to come boldly to the throne of grace (Heb 4:16). These consultations are an anecdote to fear, worry and discouragement (Phil 4:6).

Believing in His provision we can now rejoice

Can anyone have joy in this troubled world? – the believer can. Possessing His word we can thankfully rejoice in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16, 18, Acts 16:25, Phil 4:4).

When requiring guidance we can confidently ask for wisdom (Jm 1:5-6).

Moreover by trusting Him His joy will strengthen us during difficult times (Neh. 8:10).

For example when a saint dies we can rejoice in their new reality (Ps. 16:11) and the promise that we will see them again (2 Sam. 12:23).

When facing financial difficulties we can rejoice that God knows our needs (Matt. 6:25-32).

And when undergoing suffering we can rejoice that our eternal glory will far outweigh it (Rom 8:18).

Believing in His power we can now serve

Called to serve Him (Rom 7:6, Heb 12:28) we can do so in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-7, 1 Cor 2:1-5, Eph 6:10, Phil 4:13, 2 Tim 1:7).

What's more we can also worship (John 4:24, Phil 3:3) pray (1 Cor 14:15, Eph 6:18) and sing in the Spirit (1 Cor 14:15, Eph 5:19, Col 3:16).

Endowed with one or more spiritual gifts each believer can discover and use them for the edification of the church (1 Cor 12:11, 14:12, 2 Tim 1:6).

Sadly today there is much service in the energy of the flesh (1 Cor 3:15). Let's instead allow the Spirit to direct our individual and assembly lives.

Like Caleb and Joshua we are sometimes called to preach a message that will be rejected. For instance Isaiah was called to preach to a people who had already been judicially hardened by God (Isa. 6:9-13).

Regardless of its reception we must be faithful to the truth (2 Tim. 1:14).

The time to possess is now.

George Ferrier

Counsel Magazine 2011