Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

suggest was to abandon the entire project. The people were quick to respond to this negative attitude. Their high anticipa tion turned to unbelief, rendering them incapable of successful ly possessing the promised inheritance. God did not arbitrarily exclude them from it. His judgment was simply the recognition that it had become impossible to lead them in, for they no longer trusted Him as their Guide. By usurping God’s position, they had destroyed all hope of en try and brought upon themselves the terrible fate of a forty year death march. None, except the faithful Joshua and Cal eb, ever saw the goodly country in which they might have found true rest. Whereas previous rebellions had been among only a segment of the congregation, this time the whole people were contaminat ed. At this point, Israel’s situation changed completely. Success and victory were exchanged for failure and defeat. This story powerfully teaches the relationship between God’s way and suc cess, compared with our way and failure. Israel’s failure at Kadesh Barnea clearly demonstrates the cost we pay when we usurp God’s position as our plan maker. The price is simply not worth it.