Israel plunged to a new low when they refused to enter the Promised Land. This was the 10th time they had rebelled against God since the Exodus. God's patience had run out, and enough is enough. Their whole generation will not enter Canaan.
The issue with them is not just their mouths spewing complains. The main issue is their hearts of unbelief. The LORD Himself said that they despised Him.
The main message of Numbers 13 and 14 is therefore a warning- that people who are outwardly aligned with God can actually be filled with evil unbelief. Just because they were journeying with Moses did not make them God's people. God was provoked with them, and swore they will not enter into His rest.
So, church-goer- examine yourself whether you are in the faith. Real faith is seen in a life of obedience. We are not saying you become sinless. But you will sin less. It is not about sinless perfection, but there should be sincere progression.
The good news is that those who are willing to humble themselves can come to God freely for forgiveness and for a new heart. You don't have to clean up your act for God to save you. Come to Jesus, and He will cleanse and change you! This is the radical grace and good news of the Bible.
