LIKE GRASSHOPPERS
Numbers 13:31-33
Dr. Glenn A. Jent, Pastor
INTRODUCTION
Last Sunday, we talked about Satan going around pretending to be a lion, roaring loudly to scare us. This week, I want to talk about what can happen to scared people who become negative in their thinking and their perception. Just prior to our text, Moses has sent out 12 spies to go throughout the Promised Land in preparation for entering it--i.e., to map out a plan of attack, the route to take, the places they could find food and water. In our text, we discover that the spies have returned and are giving their report. Unfortunately, they have become so fearful that they no longer think properly. Let us examine their words.
I. THEIR WORDS REFLECTED A NEGATIVE THINKING.
1. It is an impossible task because the inhabitants are stronger than we are.
(1) The people of the land are hard, bold, and violent.
(2) The people of the land will show no mercy once they defeat us.
2. It is an undesirable task because the land devours the inhabitants.
(1) It is a land that eats up the inhabitants.
(2) It is a land that will surely eat up strangers.
II. THEIR WORDS REFLECTED A NEGATIVE PERCEPTION.
1. It is an impossible task because the inhabitants are giants.
(1) They are the giant race known as the Anakim.
(2) They are known for being fierce warriors.
2. It is an undesirable task because we felt like grasshoppers.
(1) We felt like grasshoppers in our eyes.
(2) We looked like grasshoppers in their eyes.
III. THEIR WORDS PRODUCED A NEGATIVE RESULT.
1. The promised victory was lost without a fight.
(1) The certain victory looked impossible because of their negative thinking and their negative perception.
(2) The certain victory became impossible to attain.
2. The undesirable negativity led to an undesirable result.
(1) They lost the opportunity to enter the Promised Land.
(2) They had to wander for 40 years in the desert until all of the negative thinkers died.
CONCLUSION
Negative thinking leads to negative perception which leads to a negative result. They lost the blessings of the promise. Not only did they completely lose out on the blessings of God, but also they delayed the blessing for those who were faithful—including their own innocent children (see 14:33). Even the two spies who said to the people, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it,” had to wait another 40 years!
Negative thinking affects everyone—even positive-thinking men and women of faith. Stop thinking negatively about what God is saying or doing. Think positively: “We can certainly do it.” God will help us do His will, His work! Stop looking at things with a negative perception. God can do anything but fail! Think positively! With His help, we also shall never fail! Positive thinking and positive perception lead to a positive result. My beloved Christian Friends, with God, all things are possible!
|
