[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 22/Feb/2026]
Does anyone remember the names of the other spies who were sent into the land of Canaan by the Lord through Moses? Most of us probably don’t. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, have a read of the book of Numbers, chapters 13 & 14, its a great story!) Their names are recorded in Scripture[1] but they rarely stay in our memories. Why? Because they are remembered mainly for their fear rather than their faith. They returned from their exploration shaking at the knees, saying the task was too hard, too frightening, and the challenges were simply too great.
And yet God had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey – a place of hope, provision, and future. The land of promise lay right before them. The fruit they carried back was proof of its richness and potential. The difference was not what they saw, but how they saw it. Ten spies focused on the obstacles; only two fixed their eyes on the promise.
Joshua and Caleb stood apart, not because they were stronger, braver, or more skilled than the others, but because they viewed the same challenges through a different lens. They saw towering cities, fortified walls, and powerful peoples – but they also saw the faithfulness of God.
They did not deny the presence of giants; they simply refused to let the giants overshadow the greatness of the Lord who had called them. Their courage came from trust, not from confidence in themselves but confidence in God’s presence with them.
As we look ahead to the plans for our new auditorium, we too can choose which lens we will use.
There will be fundraising targets to meet, grants to apply for, deadlines to manage, and undoubtedly moments when the scale of the project feels daunting. It would be easy to focus on what we lack or what might go wrong. But like Joshua and Caleb, we are invited to remember the promise and the purpose behind the vision.
This building is not just bricks and mortar; it is about creating space – space for worship, welcome, community, and the sharing of the good news of Jesus. When we keep that purpose in view, the challenges become opportunities to trust God more deeply and to work together more closely.
May God help us to carry the spirit of Joshua and Caleb: to be realistic about the work ahead, but rooted in faith rather than fear. With courage, generosity, and trust in God’s provision, we can step forward together into what He is preparing for us.
Resources:
[1] Numbers 13:4-16
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Last Sunday’s reflection: Fasting by Helen Ruffhead
Contributed by Dazz Jones; © Dazz Jones