This week’s Torah portion for Christians and Jews examines a remarkable story from the Book of Numbers. Chapter 14 tells a story that had consequences for the Jewish people for the next 40 years, and negatively lingered for over 3,000 years. It is called “Tisha B’Av,” a day of infamy. Here’s what happened to kick off the legacy of disasters.

Moses sent out twelve spies to do reconnaissance of Canaan before they entered. They returned and started giving their reports to the million-plus people awaiting good news. They had a promise from God. It was to be the end of an astounding chapter of their lives: from plagues to peace and from slavery to freedom.

Ten of the twelve started by telling how incredible the land was and how it was precisely as God described it. But then their news reporting took an ominous turn. They started pumping out negativity and doom. These “Debbie Downers” whipped the crowd into a frenzy of despair by exaggerating the obstacles.

As the people start to turn their faith away from what God promised them and sink into a hot tub of gloom, the story’s heroes arise. Joshua and Caleb say this:

“Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua and Caleb, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” Numbers 14: 6–9

It Was Decision Time

Those people were put into the same situation we are in daily. When two conflicting reports from two credible sources exist, which one will we believe? Everyone has their version of the truth, from TikTok to CNN, from podcasts to blogs. And they report with all the gusto of someone convinced they are right.

In retrospect, we know Joshua and Caleb’s testimony was correct. But the people had already made up their minds. The score was Fear: 1, Faith: 0. What they did next is a lesson in human psychology that all Christians and Jews must learn. They could have said, “Joshua and Caleb, we are going to ‘agree to disagree’ on this one. Let’s return to Egypt”. But no. They reacted like many do today when confronted with the truth.

“But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb.” Numbers 14:10

They wanted to kill Joshua and Caleb. Why? Because of the psychological phenomenon of “If you hate the message, kill the messenger”. Don’t change the channel. Don’t block Joshua and Caleb on social media. Don’t write a point/counterpoint article. Don’t have a debate in front of everyone. Don’t put it to a vote. Nobody said, “Let’s sleep on it. We’ll have a fresh perspective in the morning”. Nope. Kill them.

I’ve seen it over and over. A conversation about scripture quickly turns into a personal four-letter-word attack when someone learns they were mistaken.

God chimed in to stop things from getting out of control. And it wasn’t pretty. Read Numbers 14. It’s a remarkable story.

Side note: Do you know the names of the ten tribal leaders with the negative report? They are listed in scripture. Nobody wanted to kill them for their report because nobody remembers cowards.

Do your friends and family want to kill you?

There would only be two reasons if so. The first is that you might deserve it. I’m a Christian. I can emphatically say many of my fellow Christians are obnoxious. When the people from Westboro Baptist Church interrupt a soldier’s funeral with a megaphone holding signs that say, “God Wanted You Dead”, I want to punch them. I’m just being honest. When they carry signs that read “God hates Fags”, I want to beat them like a pinata on Cinco De Mayo. (I’m working on my lack of mercy.) But they have that right. The world is watching and making decisions that affect their eternal destiny based on our content and delivery.

Your neighbors might want you dead, not because of your testimony of truth, but because you play that drum set at 3 AM. Or can’t discuss sports without bringing up hell and damnation. That was me during my “Pharisee stage”. God is patient.

The second reason your friends and family might want to kill you is that your testimony of truth cuts to the bone and counters the deception they might be nursing. This is visible throughout the entire Bible, from Cain and Abel to all the Prophets, Paul, and even Jesus himself.

Paul’s life was hell because of his powerful messaging. Jesus shunned an intervention by his family. Three Hebrew kids were thrown into the fire. Tradition holds that the prophet Isaiah was martyred by being sawn in two on the orders of King Manasseh. And on and on.

We love the positive and affirming words of Jesus. But he also said this:

“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors!” Matthew 10: 22–23

So, my brothers and sisters, be strong. If your family wants to kill you, do an inventory of which camp you are in. Camp Obnoxious? Or Camp Push-back? If it’s the latter, don’t stop. Remember, one category of the “Sower/Seed” parable mentions some who grow up but wither when persecution arises. (Mat 13:21) Don’t let that be you.

Truth can’t be silenced. It is like flowing water. It will find a way to flow around an obstacle.

Here’s the spiritual MOAB that destroys the kingdom of darkness. And you are already packing this heat:

“They defeated him (Satan) through the blood of the Lamb and the bold word of their witness.” Rev 12:11

Jesus did His part: He shed his blood for all creation. The ball is in our court now. Let’s play to win.

We don’t shirk back. We don’t cower in fear. We reject paralyzing media. Because David said one of the characteristics of a “good” person is:

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7

That’s you and me! Let’s go! The power of life and death is in OUR tongue.

May the spirit of Caleb rest upon you and your household! -Issachar