Sharing Our Faith Together

The Path Before Us

by Alan Smith 22 October 2023

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’

When Moses sent twelve spies to see a land God had promised to give to the Israelites, the scouts came back with a unanimous report about what they had seen: the land flowed with milk and honey but formidable people guarded it.

Ten of the spies concluded they should give up all plans to posses a place filled with such intimidating people.

But Caleb and Joshua argued that they should enter this bountiful land according to God’s promise. Had these two missed something? What about the guards in their daunting strongholds? It was the ten, not Caleb and Joshua, who had missed something. The ten failed to see God in the picture, while Caleb and Joshua pictured God shaping the outcome. They recalled God’s past actions and trusted his promises for the future.

Global problems and personal challenges often demand our attention. But, like the ten spies, we often fail to see God's presence in those circumstances. When we look for God in the picture we can see things more clearly. We can step confidently into the future - however alarming it looks - and trust the Good Shepherd to lead the way.

Hymn: Abide With Me - there is quite a long organ introduction

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Dear Lord, when horizons before us seem overwhelming, fill us with confidence in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen