Grasshoppers or God’s People?
Scripture Reading — Numbers 13
“We saw the Nephilim there. . . . We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
Moses sent twelve men of Israel, one from each tribe, to explore the land of Canaan. Only two of the explorers, Joshua and Caleb, came back with a good report (see Numbers 14:6-9). They said, “The land is good, and God will lead us into it.” They trusted God to give Israel the land he had promised. The other ten explorers were gripped with fear because the people of the land seemed too big. They said, “We seemed like grasshoppers to ourselves and to them.”
When fear takes over, our perspectives on many things can get distorted. For example, our view of God may become skewed. God may seem small in light of our problems, or God’s Word may seem empty in the face of our difficulties. Even our view of ourselves may get cloudy when our faith is weak. Israel said they felt like grasshoppers when in fact they were the chosen and cherished people of God.
It’s important to remember who we are in Christ. We are the body of Christ. We are sons and daughters of the King. We are called “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession” (1 Peter 2:9).
When fear creeps in, remember the God you serve. Remember who you are and whose you are. Then step forward in faith, leaning on God’s promises and power.
Lord, when my trials are great, help me to remember that you are much greater. You are the God who calls me his child, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
About the author — Tom Groelsema
Tom Groelsema and his wife, Sheri, have served churches in Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. They have four children and three granddaughters.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!