The Vote That Counts!

Ranging from candidates, various issues, laws, and levies all the way down to where to eat out or take a family vacation are sometimes decided by popular vote. Choices are viewed, votes are cast, and the majority rules. However, does that always mean the choice is best or even right?

When twelve spies were sent into the land of Canaan, what was the result? That the land God said He would give them was a good land was acknowledged by them all. ( Numbers 13:27) However, the people in the land were feared. ( Numbers 13:28 & 32-33) Therefore, ten spies discouraged the people while two (Caleb and Joshua) tried to encourage the people to accept what God said He would give. ( Numbers 13:30; 14:8-9) The vote was 10 to 2 and the people cried out wishing they were back in Egypt. Not only did the people refuse to listen to Caleb and Joshua, but they cried out against Moses and Aaron as well and were ready to choose a new leader. ( Numbers 14:1-4) The people could not be persuaded by the minority vote.

As Caleb and Joshua tried to redirect the FOCUS TO GOD we read. . .
"(8) 'If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. (9) Only DO NOT REBEL AGAINST THE LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD IS WITH US; do not fear them.' (10) Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel." ( Numbers 14:8-10 ESV)

The majority vote was against those who were willing to STAND WITH GOD! The consequence of their lack of trust in God to receive what He said He would give was forty more years of wandering in the wilderness until that generation was laid to rest. ( Numbers 14:32-34 ESV) In spite of all the signs God had shown among them ( Numbers 14:11) they in effect cast their vote against receiving His blessing.

Have we failed to accept what God desires to give? Where is our trust? To whom are we listening? Life needs to be about LOOKING TO GOD, not based on popular vote? There are issues of life -- especially that which relates to God's standard of morality and things of eternal consequence -- too important to leave to popular vote or even committee. Someone has said, "God so loved the world He did not send a committee. He sent His Son." Aren't you glad?

When it comes to life, let us remember Jesus' exhortation to. . .
"(13) Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is WIDE and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are MANY. (14) For the gate is NARROW and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are FEW." ( Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)

What does that tell us about majority rule? What does that reveal regarding the life choice of the many compared to the few? I am going to cast my vote with God because I want His vote with me? How about you? Let us remember ". . . If God is for us, who can be against us?" ( Romans 8:31 ESV) With the TRUST IN HIM the promised land is ours!

Have a great day KNOWING THE RIGHT VOTE IS ALWAYS WITH GOD!
Carl

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