03
Follow Fully
Justin SmithNumbers 32:11-12
‘None of the men who came up from Egypt… shall see the land which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob; for they did not follow Me fully…,except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have followed the Lord fully.’
Have you ever purchased something where a mail-in rebate was required to receive a discounted price? These things terrify me because if they are not completed and submitted exactly as desired the rebate is nullified. One typo, one missed box, one missed direction and the money you were owed is forfeited. It’s not just about turning it in, but the emphasis is on following fully the directions that have been given.
Those two words—FOLLOW FULLY, came to mind as I read through Numbers 32. The Promised Land was before them, and God was about to grant them Miraculous Victory by His Divine Provision, and there job to FOLLOW FULLY. He would provide them all they needed to capture the abundant life that was in sight, and their responsibility wasn’t to plan, it wasn’t to outwit, out-battle, or out-strategize the enemy; rather, to FOLLOW FULLY. Seems easy enough, right?! The 12 spies went, and fear set in at the hands of the enemy. That fear was then perpetuated throughout the ranks, and the one thing required of them, the only mission given, to FOLLOW FULLY, was disregarded. The anger of God fell upon the masses, and the reward was forfeited because, as Numbers 32:11 records “…they did not follow Me fully”.
To follow fully…what does that mean? What does that look like? What does that sound like? As I ponder these questions, I can see in my mind’s eye my children when called to receive discipline. I call them and give them a command to come to me to receive a punishment for misbehaving, and slowly they get up and slothfully wander over whining, grumbling, and justifying their disobedience. They’re “following” my command to come…but it is far from following fully. You see, the emphasis isn’t on just doing the bare minimum, it isn’t about just turning in the form, it isn’t just about showing up, but it’s in the condition of the heart. Following fully is giving one’s complete mind, heart, and attention to the directions. Following fully is trusting in the face of the insurmountable and the impossible. Following fully is not questioning, or grumbling, or complaining. Following fully isn’t rooted in emotions or opinions but in Truth. Following fully disregards my wisdom and what I think is best and decides to obey no matter the outcome. Follow Fully echoes the words of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saying throw me in the fire if you must for we will never dishonor our God. We will trust that He will save us…BUT even if he doesn’t we will FOLLOW FULLY.
Today I will remember that FOLLOWING FULLY isn’t based on how I feel, the assignments I’m given, or what I see before me. FOLLOWING FULLY isn’t based on how tired I am, how passionate I am, how excited I am this season. Following fully is based on Truth, on Calling, on Honoring, on Sacrificing, on Stewarding, on Investing, on Obeying not for man, not for recognition, not for applause, but…for Jesus. Here’s the great news, the Promised Land, the Abundant Life, the Peace, Hope, Joy, Promise, and Provision are mine WHEN I choose to FOLLOW FULLY.
Lord Jesus,
Today I will choose to follow fully your words, your whipers, and your will. I surrender ALL: all of my heart, all of my mind, and all of my energy to You. May my life honor you today.
In Jesus' name, Amen
