S.W.A.T. Team
Spies Weighing a Threat
by David Jeremiah

Modern S.W.A.T. teams (Special Weapons And Tactics) had a forerunner in the early pages of the Old Testament. Moses sent an elite team of twelve spies to do recon- naissance in the Promised Land (read Numbers 13 and 14).

Returning after 40 days, the spies reported: The land abounds with giants, huge fortified cities, has varied topography, and flows with "milk and honey." Then ten of the spies gave their interpretation: "We can enjoy some sightseeing in Canaan and have a great meal JUST BEFORE THE GIANTS SQUASH US LIKE GRASSHOPPERS!"

Unclear on the Concept Moses' twelve spies went in with a unified focus on the mission but became divided. Ten were completely unclear about the meaning of trusting God, becoming Spies Weighing A Threat. Only Joshua and Caleb believed God could be trusted to keep His promise and deliver Israel into the Promised Land (Numbers 14:7-9).

How did ten of the spies lose their focus over a period of forty days? How did the sight of giants and walled cities make them forget God's words? "You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you" (Leviticus 26:7-8).

Saints Weighing A Threat
What happened to the spies happens to many people. Instead of being God's fearless S.W.A.T. team, boldly claiming the earth for God's kingdom, the church (you and I) wobbles on legs like noodles whenever we are frightened. We turn into Saints Weighing A Threat—every threat.

So before we fault the ten spies who bought the enemy's lies and decided Egypt might just be safer than Canaan . . . let's examine our own S.W.A.T. team records of faithfulness. Let's look at the same four challenges the twelve spies wrestled with and see how we measure up.

1. The land. The landscape of your life may be the corporate world, your own business, being a student, raising a family, loving a spouse—the landscapes of our lives are varied and intricate. But remember this: The whole earth belongs to God (1 Corinthians 10:26). There is no place we go that He does not go with us. We climb no mountain, ford no stream, walk through no valley, and cross no desert alone. God is with us (Hebrews 13:5).

2. The people. If you haven't said this, you've probably thought it: "My (job, church, family, company, school) would be great if it weren't for the people!" Why do people appear in our lives like giants? There are no giants in the earth, just sinners in need of the grace of God. Don't let Satan stir up something that isn't really there (Ephesians 4:26-27). People are never your enemy—the Enemy is your enemy (Ephesians 6:12). And he is a defeated foe (Hebrews 2:14).

3. The cities. Looking around at the structures and institutions of this world can be intimidating. Governments, terrorists, ungodly alliances—they are all just fronts, veneers like on a Hollywood sound stage. Yes, Satan empowers them, and yes, it may seem like they are winning (1 John 5:19). But they are not. This world is a house of cards that will fold when the breath of God blows against it. The world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:31)—you are not (1 John 2:17).

4. The potential for fruit-bearing. The main fruit God is interested in your bearing is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). God's plan for Israel was to live permanently in Canaan, so they needed good land. But this world is not our home. We are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), and that is where we are to be laying up treasure (Matthew 6:19-20).

So—what kind of report are you ready to give? Are you siding with the ten or the two? You can join Caleb and Joshua as members of the God Squad when you stop weighing every threat and start trusting God: "'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the LORD" (Isaiah 54:17).

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This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points.

Saturday, September 15, 2007