Minority Report

We are blessed to live in a democratic society.  We use the system of casting our vote as a model for many of our decision making processes for school elections, unions, clubs, groups, auxiliaries, family gatherings, etc.  Even our local churches use the system of voting.   For example: The Usher Board wants new uniforms, but they don’t have all of the funds.  The Usher President found a company that will sell the uniforms on credit, but the interest over a two year period will be triple the actual cost if they do a cash and carry transaction.  The President is not known for his patience and is insistent that they can pay the debt off within six months of purchase using a “100% guaranteed” fund raising plan he has developed.  The discussion lasts for almost an hour, people are getting irritated and they are ready to go.  Finally the proposal is put to the vote and the President wins by a landslide.  You and a couple of other people are the only ones that voted against the plan.  Now the church will be stuck with a debt they can’t afford if the fundraising plan is a flop.  When we vote, the majority wins, but the majority is not always right. 

My thought for today is The Minority Report:

Numbers 14: 6-10:  Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. 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. 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.” 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 14:5-10 ESV)

Here’s the backdrop:  The Israelites were ready to cross over into the Promised Land, but God instructed Moses to select 12 men to spy out the land first to get an idea of what they were up against. When they returned, they brought back evidence of their findings: a cluster of grapes so large two men had to put them over a poll and carry them, as well as pomegranates, figs and stories.  Moses, the leaders and especially the congregation were ecstatic. You know how it is when you get a glimpse of the victory after a prolonged fight.  I can just hear them: Wow, God really came through; We made it to the Promised Land; Everything is gonna be alright now; No more tents, we can finally build our dream house, OMG, I can’t wait.  They were so excited they didn’t know what to do.  Caleb knew the timing was right to seize the opportunity because the momentum was high, the congregation’s faith was ripe and ready for anything.  He calmed them down and led the charge to prepare for war so they could possess their promise, right then and there!  And then it happened… 

The other 10 spies said, “hold on playa”, “Naw, we can’t do that bruh.  You ain’t telling the whole story.  Those people on the other side are giants and they eat people.  We look like grasshoppers compared to them.  They will kill us and make our wives and children slaves.  We will never win, it’s absolutely impossible.”  The excited congregation quickly turned into an angry uncontrollable mob.  They hurled accusations and threats against of Joshua and Caleb and if it had not been for God’s intervention, they would have stoned them to death.  The congregation was so furious that they refused to hear Moses and decided to select (vote) for another leader.

Joshua and Caleb were the “minority reporters”.  They saw the Promised Land and were assured that God would cause them to be victorious against their enemies.  However, the majority, the spies, weak faithless men that did not trust God, won the heart of the congregation.  I’m sure the minority felt a myriad of emotions: hurt, humiliation, rejection, self-doubt, disappointment, shock, bewilderment, etc., however, they stood by their belief and trusted God.  Can you imagine how sad and offensive that must have been to God.  This congregation whom he had hand fed, led by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night, paved the way for them to pass through the Red Sea on dry ground, as well as countless other miracles and they still didn’t believe He would deliver them from their enemies.  God is a loving patient God, but that sent Him right over the edge. He was done and if it had not been for Moses interceding on their behalf, God would have killed them all (except the minority) in one swoop.  Instead He punished them by making them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that generation died.

And so it is today.   Do you realize how many people are wandering around in a wilderness of confusion and regret simply because they went along with the majority?  It costs something to be included in the minority report:

Are you willing to trust God and wait when every fiber of your being is telling to do the opposite, resort back to your old ways, handle your business and repent later?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Are you willing to stand quietly while all hell is breaking lose, you want to react, but The Lord tells you to be still, have a seat, I got this.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (Ephesians 6:13, 14 KJV)

Are you willing to sacrifice friendships, memberships and relationships? 

You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.  Luke 21:16-19

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

Are you willing to stand up to the giant(s) that seem to have the power to crush you? 

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NKJV)

Are you willing to walk away from a situation that will compromise your relationship with God even though doing so means blowing what appears to be the opportunity of a lifetime?

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  1 Thessalonians 5:22 (NKJV)

Is it easy?  In some cases it may not be, but then again, nothing worth having never really is.

In His Humble Excellence

Tan