Article August 5, 1933 Issue

Our Good Report

MARY COLE CHAPMAN

It is related in the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of Numbers that heads of the tribes of Israel were sent by Moses "to spy out the land of Canaan" and bring back a report as to the possibilities of acquiring it. Caleb, of the tribe of Judah, and Joshua, the son of Nun, brought back a good report and endeavored to still the people's fear. The fearful ones brought back from this new land evidences of the fruits with which the land abounded, but at the same time expressed their fear of the people, whom they described as "giants" living in walled cities. These leaders, thinking of the material loss they might experience, reported what was in their own thought. Although Caleb and Joshua, who brought back a good report, were in the minority, they steadfastly maintained their stand and so became valuable helpers to Moses in leading on the children of Israel. They had conquered their own fears and were sustained and blessed with right ideas wherewith to overcome the fear of the people.

Those who brought back an evil report suggested dangers in the way, should the people try to go forward. On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb endeavored to still the fear of the people by uplifting their thought to trust in God, who had already led them on through their past difficulties. Caleb rebuked the thoughts of fear with his clear, positive statement, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it."

We, too, like the children of Israel, may be tempted to think that the good which we need or rightly desire is still out of our reach, or that we may have too much to overcome if we try to claim our heritage at once. Let us not allow our demonstration to be protracted while we wander wearily through the wilderness! The temptation may appear as any one of the various arguments of mortal mind against our health and peace. We may fear some personal opinion, or accept the suggestion of doubt as to our own God-bestowed ability to succeed. But since our highest desire is to dwell in Truth and Love, we should listen, instead, to the gentle admonition of Christ Jesus, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

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