Parashat Sh’lach Lecha (You send forth) Numbers 13:1-15:41

בס”ד

Parashat Sh’lach Lecha (You send forth) Numbers 13:1-15:41

Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24

Faith is NOT believing something that has no evidence or support for it becoming a reality. Too often I hear people describing faith as “blind faith” or “accepting” that which a reasonable person would reject. Nothing could be further from the Biblical truth. True faith is responding to the Word of G-d. As the writer of Hebrews says,

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, when the evidence of things not seen yet seen.”

Hebrews 11:1

This verse teaches that before one can see the reality of that which the Word of G-d promises, one must act in faith. However such a response is not based on a “blind faith” or a lack of a rational reason. Faith is rooted in the Word of G-d. HaShem has demonstrated over and over to His people and to the world that what the Scripture reveals is accurate. Hence it is most reasonable for one to obey the Word of G-d. Such obedience is faith.

In this week’s Torah portion, Moses is instructed to send forth spies into the Promised Land to confirm what G-d has said is indeed the truth. It is only after seeing the reality of His word does G-d expect the people to act in faith, yet they refused. This is why HaShem said,

And HaShem said to Moses until when will this people provoke Me; until when will they not have faith (believe) in Me; with all the signs which I have done in his (their) midst.”

It is clear from the context of this section of Scripture that the people did not act in faith, not because they did not want to do something that had no likelihood of becoming a reality, but rather they did not believe in G-d, despite all of the numerous signs which He had demonstrated before the people. Their faithlessness was actually rooted in rebellion and a refusal to acknowledge the fact that HaShem was worthy to trust.

The point is that obeying G-d and displaying faith in Him is the most reasonable thing for one to do. HaShem has demonstrated that His word is one hundred percent accurate. The Scripture states that G-d cannot lie (See Hebrews 6:18). Hence, when one fails to act in faith, the real reason for this is because the individual simply does not want that which is rooted in the will of G-d. In other words, such a person is committed to the desire of his flesh which is sin, rather than committed to the plan and purpose of the Living G-d.

The people who failed to demonstrate faith in the wilderness died in that wilderness, never seeing the reality of HaShem’s promises. They simply were not hoping for the same things that the Word of G-d promises. This is a tendency that can plague the believer’s walk with Yeshua. Do you really want the things of G-d or are you still practicing a “Christian idolatry”, a false faith using the name Jesus, which is rooted in the lie that G-d wants to bless your plan. You must mature in the Biblical faith and realize that it is only G-d’s plan that is truly a blessing.

Shabbat Shalom

One Comment on “Parashat Sh’lach Lecha (You send forth) Numbers 13:1-15:41”

  1. Amen. Yes, our faith should not be blind because we are taught by His Spirit about Him, that’s why we can obey without fear, without doubt. So be it Lord God, help us to trust and obey You every time.

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