Serving Bread

(Part I, Part II, Part III)

BIBLICAL CASE STUDY

In Numbers 13, Moses sends out 12 spies to scout the land that God has given to them. These spies see how rich the land is and they recognize that the land is a gift from God to the Israelites. As they spy out the land, they recognize the reality of their world—that the land may be great, but the inhabitants are dangerous. The report back to Moses was negative—that the Israelites did not have what it takes to take over the land.

When they are disappointed by the realities of their world, the spies (save Caleb and Joshua) and what seems like the entire nation (Numbers 14.1) is devastated by the report. The entire nation is upset and disappointed, to the point that they would rather be in Egypt rather than at the frontiers of the Promised Land. There is no more hope left. Caleb and Joshua try to bring the word of hope, but the other spies drown out their voices. Hopelessness turns to desire for slavery.

Rather than turn toward God, the nation is turning away from God. As a consequence of their lack of faith and their hopelessness, God prevents anyone from that generation (except for Caleb and Joshua) from ever possessing the Promised Land. The Israelites’ hopelessness turns to death. They will die in the wilderness without experiencing the gift of God.

The Israelites’ lack of obedience informed their decision to turn against God’s vision. And that lack of obedience plays itself out throughout the 40 year journey. At the end of Numbers 14, the nation deceives itself into believing that by apologizing, they can regain God’s trust to take the land. Their desire to go to battle is yet another act of disobedience. In other words, their calling is being formed by disobedience and they re-engage realities through that lens.

The Israelites chose the path that leads to death. Contrast their story with that of Paul in Acts 18. His preaching produced mixed results. Some people responded in belief while others reviled him. And knowing Paul’s story, the apostle was persecuted and beaten for his faith and his preaching. Paul recognizes the realities of the world and it does lead to disappointment. In Acts 18.6, he declares to the Jews, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Paul is disappointed with the Jewish response to the gospel. Immediately following this incident, God speaks to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18.9-10) I imagine that Paul’s disappointment was turned to intercession and Paul connected with God. In connecting with God, Paul had his calling re-enforced. Luke then tells us that Paul stayed in that place for another 18 months. Paul’s disappointment took him to God. And God reinforced his calling to stay in the very place where he may have abandoned.

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