WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
NUMBERS 13:17-27
2 CORINTHIANS 8:21

Providing for honest things,
… in the sight of the Lord, but also… of men."

BE HONEST!

The spies came to Moses, Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the desert Paran Kadesh. They brought back with them a report of what they saw in the land of Canaan. They described the place to the congregation. They reported that the land was indeed a place flowing with milk and honey. They also showed the fruits of the land which they brought with them: "a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs" (Num 13:23).

The activity and diligence of the twelve men were commendable. In so short a time, they examined the whole land from the desert of Sin to the sea, and along the whole course of the Jordan. They did it even during the hottest time of the year when the grapes were beginning to ripen. Thus far, they faithfully executed the task entrusted to them.

Up to this point it can be said that they were men who reported honestly. But when they disregarded the words of the LORD given to them through Moses, most of them became dishonest in their report by exaggerating the strength of their enemies. Their distrust of God’s Word led to a corrupt report and the rebellion of the people against Moses and Aaron.

When doubts and fears beset man, dishonesty comes to the surface. When God’s Word is taken lightly, false claims will appear. When promises of God are not trusted, deceptive information will be reported. Let us be careful to exercise what is good and honest before God and to behave with good conscience towards men. Let not the church of Christ and her ministry lose their trust in God. Dishonesty leads to apostasy, and apostasy is by itself dishonesty.

THOUGHT: Am I honest in my dealings?
PRAYER: "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Ps 20:6-7).