Perspective and Faith

“And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” (Numbers 13:33 KJV)

Sitting at lunch after church yesterday, a friend commented on my sermon and asked if I had listened to what I preached. He was goading me with my own words . . . the mark of a real friend. J

As the fun and fellowship continued, my friend spoke of what he called “grasshopper theology.” I had heard the terminology before but I could not think of where, so I stoically spooned food in my mouth trying to decide if he was poking fun or wanted to discuss a serious issue.

Grasshopper theology is about our perspective of God . . . our faith in God. How do we “see” God in relation to the challenges we face everyday? Is God greater than all our challenges? Or is the challenge larger than our God?

For whatever reason, these ten spies had not bought into the “conquer Canaan” vision. So, they emphasized their size instead of God’s. They trusted in their abilities instead of God’s. They believed what they saw rather than God’s promise: “I am giving this land to the Israelites” (Num. 13:1). They were overwhelmed by their fear, doubt and unbelief.

They saw themselves as grasshoppers so God became a grasshopper too. They never considered that their version was topsy-turvey. They saw giants in Canaan but God saw grasshoppers. They saw themselves as grasshoppers but God saw them as giants in his hands.

Our perspective really does matter. Is our God smaller than or greater than the challenge?

Dear Father, thank you for your greatness. Empower us with faith that matches your ability. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in faith,