Hebrews 3 and 4 is the New Testament commentary 
on today's reading. The key thought is "unbelief." 
Notice the evidences of unbelief in these events.

        In chapter 13:1-27 we see the unbelief of the 
children of Israel in sending in the spies. God had told 
them many times what Canaan was like, what nations were 
there, and how He would defeat their enemies and give 
them their promised inheritance; so what need was there 
for spies? Sad to say, human nature prefers to walk by 
sight, not by faith, and to depend on man's word, not 
God's Word. The spies searched the land and even brought 
back some of the wonderful fruit; but they also brought 
back an evil report and discouraged the hearts of the 
people. Except for Moses, Caleb, and Joshua, nobody in 
the nation believed God would keep His promise!

        The ten spies illustrate many Christians today. 
They have "spied out" their inheritance in Christ, and 
even tasted some of the fruits of His blessing, but 
their unbelief keeps them from entering in by faith to 
claim what they have in Christ.

        It is interesting to note the "promotion" of 
Joshua. In Numbers 11:28 he is called "Moses' servant"; 
ultimately he becomes Moses' successor (Joshua 1). We 
see him as a soldier in Exodus 17:8-16; in Exodus 24:13 
he is with Moses on Mount Sinai; in Exodus 33:11 he is 
in charge of the Tabernacle; and Numbers 13 shows him as 
one of the spies. Because he was faithful in whatever 
task God gave him, he was advanced from one 
responsibility to another (see Matthew 25:21).

        God wants to advance each of us to greater 
things in our Christian living, but we must be faithful 
over the little things before He will make us ruler over 
many. The refusal to go into the land (verses 28-33) 
indicates unbelief. Many Christians see the problems and 
obstacles, but continue to restlessly wander about 
because they refuse to be led of God. As a result, they 
never claim God's blessings. It is yet to be seen what 
can be accomplished through the saved people of the 
world, if they will simply live by faith. Unbelief is 
the devil's tool for keeping us from the total blessing 
God has for us.

        It is my prayer that God will grip your heart, 
as He has mine, and cause you to really believe Him in 
every situation. He is interested in even the smallest 
decisions in our lives. Anything that affects the life 
of one of God's children is of interest to Him. His 
constant plea is that we believe and trust in Him. Won't 
you turn every area of your life over to Him?