Lessons from a Lousy Scouting Report
Numbers 13:1-33
1. Overview
• leaving Sinai for the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land
• after the complaints of Numbers 11 and opposition of Numbers 12
• lament of biblical authors regarding Numbers 13
• after the complaints of Numbers 11 and opposition of Numbers 12
• lament of biblical authors regarding Numbers 13
2. Assignment 1-16
• the LORD’S command and confirmation
• spies selected and identified
• spies selected and identified
3. Instructions 17-24
• assessment of land, people and cities
• act courageously
• acquire fruit
• compliance and a cluster of grapes
• act courageously
• acquire fruit
• compliance and a cluster of grapes
4. Outcome 25-33
• return of spies after 40 days
• fruitful land, fearsome people and fortified cities
• minority and majority reports
• fruitful land, fearsome people and fortified cities
• minority and majority reports
5. So What?
• Because the LORD’S promises are true, dismiss fearful distortions and depend on His faithfulness.
• Act on the LORD’S promises (Gen. 13:16-17, 22:17-18)
• Reflect on the LORD’S faithfulness (Gen. 12:9)
• Remember the LORD’S generosity (Ex. 3:8)
• Rely on the LORD’S resources (John 15:1-8)
• “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” (A. Cousins)
• “We all need a promised land.” (C. King)
• Act on the LORD’S promises (Gen. 13:16-17, 22:17-18)
• Reflect on the LORD’S faithfulness (Gen. 12:9)
• Remember the LORD’S generosity (Ex. 3:8)
• Rely on the LORD’S resources (John 15:1-8)
• “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” (A. Cousins)
• “We all need a promised land.” (C. King)