1. Building a Legacy Worth Leaving A Study in Hebrews 11 Harry W. Lewis

2. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.  (40 YEARS OF DISAPPOINTMENT AND DEATH)  By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. (Hebrews 11:29-30)

3. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  One of the great tragedies in life is found between verses 29 and 30 of Hebrews 11  Its omission speaks volumes – Chapter 11 is about faith – This account is about no faith!! – a lack of faith in the promises of God  Walking by sight destroys the walk of faith

4. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  The account is found in Numbers 13-14 – God commands that 12 spies be sent 1 leader from each of the 12 tribes – God’s instructions were given: See what the land is like Are the people strong or weak Is the land is good or bad Are the cities weak or strong – Be of good courage

5. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  The Report from the 12 Spies: – The Good: Showed the fruit of the land Flows with milk and honey – The Bad: Nevertheless ….. The people are strong The cities are fortified The descendants of Anak are there –Amalekites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Canaanites

6. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy – The Ugly: We are not able – they are stronger than us Gave a bad report The land devours its people We saw giants in the land And we were like grasshoppers in OUR OWN sight The people cried The people complained against Moses The people wanted to select a new leader and return to Egypt

7. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  Caleb took a stand: – Quieted the people – Challenged the people: let’s go; we can!  Moses and Aaron fell on their faces  Caleb and Joshua reasoned with the people: – The land is great – The Lord is good – Don’t rebel against God

8. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  The people wanted to stone Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb  God intervened with His GLORY

9. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  God’s Response: – How long will these people reject Me? – I will destroy them and start over!  Moses intercession: – Based on protecting God’s reputation – Based on God’s mercy and forgiveness  God’s decision – I will pardon – The consequences: death of all except Joshua and Caleb

10. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  Consequences in detail: – The TEN were put to death immediately for misleading the people – Those 20 years and above will die in the wilderness – never seeing the promises of God – Caleb and Joshua are exempt because of their faith – The promises of God are delayed 40 years

11. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  Moses also was a casualty (Numbers 20) – God’s command: “Speak to the Rock.” – Moses struck the Rock twice in anger – God said, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12)

12. Session Ten: A Failed Legacy  Word of warning to leaders: – Don’t allow the frustrations of your leadership assignment to cause you to sin against God. The consequences are devastating.  Be careful to protect your legacy. It takes a lifetime to build and only a moment to destroy!