Justin Houtz

Numbers 13, Romans 13

DateVersionReading Plan
May 10, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Numbers 13

Observation & Interpretation

The LORD spoke to Moses and told him to send a group of men consisting of a chief of each tribe to spy out the land of Canaan (Num. 13:2). The men were selected and among them were Caleb from the tribe of Judah (Num. 13:6) and Hoshea (Joshua) from the tribe of Ephraim (Num. 13:8). Moses told them to report back whether the land was good or bad, whether they dwell in camps or strongholds and whether the land is rich or poor. He told them to take courage and bring back some of the fruit of the land (Num. 13:18-20).

The men went and reported back after forty days (Num. 13:25). They brought back word that there was indeed fruit in the land but the people were very strong and had fortified cities (Num. 13:27-28). Caleb quieted the people and expressed confidence that Israel would be victorious in occupying the land. The men who had gone up with him again said that they would not be able to go up against the inhabitants of Canaan because they were stronger than the Israelites, thus bringing a bad report to the people (Num. 13:31-32). The men described how both they and the inhabitants of Canaan saw them as grasshoppers (Num. 13:33).

Application

The FSB makes note of something important in the reports of Caleb and the other spies:

The spies’ report is initially balanced. However, as soon as Caleb asserts the inhabitants of the land can be defeated in military engagement, the rest of the spies (except for Joshua) oppose him, arguing that the descendants of Anak, the Anakim, are too strong

The spies began by speaking the facts regarding the land as they were told, but when faced with the prospect of pursuing its occupation, their lack of courage corrupted the report. How often we too can allow our perspective to become painted with fear as we encounter potentially difficult situations. Rather than approach it head-on and trust in the Lord’s guidance to help us navigate through it, we try to side step or avoid it altogether. In our sinful shortsightedness, we prefer ease and comfort over the Lord’s sanctifying work in enduring conflict and adversity. May we look on this and seek instead to be bold when encountering challenging circumstances, knowing that the Lord is with us and is faithful to carry us through.

Romans 13

Observation & Interpretation

Paul exhorts believers to be subject to governing authorities. These authorities have been instituted by God and thus to resist them is to resist God which will incur judgment (Rom. 13:1-2). The saints are to be in subjection, not only for the sake of God’s wrath but for conscience (Rom. 13:5). Payment is to be made to whom it is owed, whether taxes, revenue, respect or honor (Rom. 13:7).

The faithful in Christ are to owe no one anything except love for each other as this fulfills the law (Rom. 13:8). All commandments are summed up in the word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (quoting Lev. 19:8). By this “We fulfill the first four commands by loving the Lord and the rest of the law by obeying the prohibitions as we love our neighbor.” (CSB Notes). We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, to walk properly rather than in sin, to put on the Lord Jesus, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (Rom. 13:12-14).

Application

Even as Christians, we continue to have a sin nature, but we are called to actively cast off the desires it attempts to engender. This sin nature is not to be viewed as having equal power with the new man born into us through the work of the Spirit. In his book, The Vanishing Conscience, John MacArthur denounces this faulty, dualistic view, saying that such dualism “inevitably frustrates Christian growth” and that it is not supported by Scripture. When the believer is given a new heart, this new heart “has a conscience. It can take charge. You can count on it. Reckon it to be so. Consider it accomplished.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You are sovereign and all-powerful, upholding Your children by Your righteous right hand. Father, help me to trust in Your goodness to sustain me and sanctify me through every storm. Father, thank You the by Your Spirit I have the power to overcome my sin. Father, help me to treasure You more than any earthly desire and that my life would be a testimony of Your glorious grace.

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