Standing Against The Consensus - Joshua And Caleb - The One Year Men of the Bible

“Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

Numbers 14:9

Frank Tracz had been the Kansas State University band leader for fourteen years when someone asked him, “Do you realize that the K-State students at home football games are shouting a vulgarity instead of ‘Hey!’ when the band plays the popular ‘Rock and Roll Part 2’?”

When Tracz heard the report, he was disappointed, and he went into action. Hoping to promote a more positive environment at K-State sporting events, he eliminated the song from his band’s playlist. This disappointed many Wildcat fans who hadn’t shouted the profanity when the band played the song.

At times, standing for what is good and right means taking an unpopular position. Consider the example of Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve tribal leaders that Moses sent to Canaan to spy out the Promised Land. This mission took place as the people of Israel readied themselves to claim what God had already said was theirs.

Upon their return, all twelve spies agreed that Canaan was beautiful and that anyone would be delighted to make their home there. Ten of the spies also reported a land crawling with giants who would kill them if they tried to possess what God had given them.

Joshua and Caleb remained ready to go. Filled with faith and courage, they told the frightened people, “We can beat the giants! The Lord has brought us this far, and he’s not going to abandon us now. Let’s go!” Sadly, the people of Israel sided with the other ten spies and thus rebelled against God. They didn’t know it, but they had chosen disaster.

Joshua and Caleb stood out as men willing to oppose the consensus. They vocally chose to put their faith in God rather than bow to the opinions of the majority and to “reason.” Since they took that stand, they were the only ones of that generation who received what God had promised.

A life of faith isn’t always easy or popular. When you keep your eyes on the One who has the desire and ability to keep all his promises, you will emerge victorious over any giants that get in your way.