Daily Devotions

Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 72

An evil heart of unbelief...

Text: Hebrews 3:12a

REASONS FOR THE REFUSAL TO ENTER INTO THE PROMISED LAND

There was much more to it than just a sense of mindless fear of the inhabitants of the land of Canaan (Cf. Numbers 13:28-33). The following problems must be factored in:-

1. A strong and persistent spirit of complaining (Cf. Numbers 14:2)

2. Questioning of the Lord’s leading to Canaan (Cf. Numbers 14:3)

3. A strong desire to return to Egypt (Cf. Numbers 14:3)

4. A rejection of Moses as their leader (Cf. Numbers 14:4)

5. Murmuring of the people about stoning Moses and Aaron (Cf. Numbers 14:5, 10)

6. There was a rejection of the Lord Himself (Cf. Numbers 14:11a)

7. There was rank unbelief despite many signs performed (Cf. Numbers 14:11b)

THE FULL STATEMENT OF THE LORD’S JUDGMENT

This statement may be found in Numbers 14:22-38. The following sins of the children of Israel may be highlighted:-

1. The deliberate testing of God (Cf. Numbers 14:22b)

2. The refusal to heed God’s voice (Cf. Numbers 14:22c)

3. The evil complaining spirit of the people (Cf. Numbers 14:27)

THE SPIRIT OF UNBELIEF

The author of Hebrews had an important reason why he wrote on this subject. The evil spirit of unbelief still existed!

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you
an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”
Hebrews 3:12

With these words, the fifth danger was highlighted!

a) An evil heart of unbelief.
b) It expresses itself in departing from the living God.