Word Play: Account Ability - Tuesday
Numbers 14:10
But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle. (NLT)
Dr. Abraham Maslow is famously known for developing the theory we now call Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. He researched what is most essential to a human, and amongst other things, he determined that deep friendships were an essential need on his hierarchy. After all of his many years of research, he went on to say, “The truth is that the average American does not have a real friend in the world." Whether you’re 17 or 74, you know what it feels like to be lonely. And if you have made the decision to follow Jesus, sometimes it can feel like the whole world is against you.
In our text today, the Israelites are rebelling against God. They have decided that they know better than God (You ever been there?). God was calling them to go into a promised land that would sustain them and allow them to prosper, but when push came to shove, they didn’t truly believe that God would fight for them and help them. In the midst of the Israelites' disbelief and disobedience, I can only imagine how exasperated Joshua and Caleb felt. They were the only two guys who trusted and believed in God’s character and His power. Everybody else wanted to settle for an average, mundane, no-good life in the desert.
Joshua and Caleb are in the midst of a pretty serious moment in Numbers 14:10. Their community quite literally was against them because of their courage and outspoken trust in God. In the midst of fierce opposition, we need friends that challenge and encourage us to live out the life God is calling us to. We need people around us that help us maintain perspective when it feels like the sky is falling. We need deep friends with whom we can laugh, cry, and experience life together. In their darkest hour, Joshua and Caleb had each other’s back and could stand firm because they trusted in God together.
Tuesday’s Reflection
One of the best ways that we can encourage our friends is by praying for them. It might be something you’ve never done before, but this week, ask a friend or two how you can be praying for them. Then, set aside time to pray for them throughout the week!