What Do The Grapes Say?

The message was brought by Rev. Bob Surber on November 19, 2023.

The background scripture is Numbers 13:17-20; 23; 26-33.

Thanksgiving is an attitude we have and an action we take. What God has done, is doing, and will do for us in the future deserves our thanks. We are a blessed people. We tend to focus on hard times and often overlook what we have. Looking at this scripture I want to remind us there are so many grapes in the cluster. Every grape in the cluster that the spies brought back was a sample of what was ahead for the children of Israel. They are also a sample of what God has for us.

We see little clusters of grapes in the grocery stores. Imagine a cluster being so large that it took two men to hoist and carry it back to Israel. It was a sample of what was in the Promised Land. This was a land flowing with milk and honey. Israel had been led by a cloud by day and fire by night. They had been victorious over many things including crossing the Red Sea. God was leading and they followed. God will not fail those who follow him, then and now.

God had promised this land to Abraham. Through his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed; this came to pass when Jesus was born. God has a plan so get on board! Here at Kadesh-Barnea they saw the land inhabited by many other nations. It wasn’t their land and these people weren’t about to give it up. Many of our blessings were easily obtained, but others we’ve had to struggle for. We need to enjoy the samples God provides regardless of the obstructions. We’re on a journey. This is not our home. Until we get to heaven God will send us grapes from heaven. We need to quit dropping them. Instead, catch them!

Right at the Promised Land, Moses called for one man from each tribe to search out the land before they entered. Struggles await but God will give victory. Don’t let the devil steal your blessings.  Joshua and Caleb were 2 of the 12 men selected to spy out the land. They looked at what others didn’t see. Enemies may seem formidable but God makes the way. All of the men agreed on the bounty of the land. They were excited until they saw the inhabitants and their fortified cities. They were not going to give up their land. They reported to Moses and all agreed it was a fruitful land. They said surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it. But they proceeded in verse 28 to say  Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. They reported on the obstacles seeing no way to take the land. Caleb spoke up saying God would help them take the land if they focused on him and not the size of the enemy. He knew that if they let God do the fighting they could possess the land. The people got scared and decided not to go in and take the land.

We need to remember God is still God no matter the giants in our life. Put God first. Look at what he has sent us. He is taking care of us. Yesterday’s obstacles are behind us. The battle is not too big for the Lord. Don’t be intimidated by what may come. Adversity may be there but God has a grape awaiting on us each day.  Consider the size of God, his promises and the samples of his goodness. He’s promised victory as we follow him. Look at what the grapes say!