Lesson 148: Soldiers and Scouts
5th Kentucky Chaplain J. W. Binion
A dozen soldiers are sent on a mission to scout a possible objective. The soldiers were ordered to observe and report, not to engage the enemy. The mission was completed, the twelve returned to their commander with two reports.
Ten of the twelve reported the land to be fruitful, able to produce enough rations to feed the entire corps. They said that the fruit was enormous – they could make hats from the skins of the grapes; there was enough game, water, and wood to provide every unit with food, shelter, and clothing. The only problem was this group of ten reported the human inhabitants were extremely well armed, fortified, and very large in stature. It was the consensus of the group that the land was not worth the risk. The casualties would not off set the rewards.
There was a minority report. Two of the scouts said that the land was exactly what the commander had said it would be. The risks were worth the fight. They also pointed out that there was a solid promise of support and protection from the supreme commander. Their totally reliable and powerful Ultimate Commander promised He would provide cover on flanks and rear. He promised the land would be their’s and they would conquer the enemy.
By now most of you have realized that I am referring to the scenes in the Old Testament book of Numbers (13th & 14th chapters). Ten of the scouts were not willing to rely on God’s promise. Only two (Joshua & Caleb) were willing to follow God’s orders and promise. As a result of the ten scouts ignoring the orders of God the body of Israelites were forced to wander for forty more years in the wilderness. Only Caleb and Joshua would be able to enter the land of Canaan, the rest – including Moses – would be denied the right to enter the promised land where peace and joy would be their’s.
The problem with most Christians today is that they are unwilling to put their complete and total faith in God’s word. Are you a member of the ten or are you a Caleb or Joshua? Accept your marching orders, follow the great Commander, and obey HIS commands. Your obedient servant, Chaplain J. W. Binion, 5th Ky. Inf. Co. D CSA
Note: Chaplain Binion’s lesson pointedly brings home the following verse in this fielder’s mind: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15). Joshua 24: 24 states, “And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” Are you following the crowd or listening to what God has instructed you to do? Something to ponder upon as you make your daily decisions. The Old General