Pearls of Great Value

And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. That place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.” Num. 13:23–24 ESVi)

 Grapes. Can you imagine a cluster of grapes so big that it would have to be carried on a pole between two men? I have a hard time imagining it, but it happened. Israel was scouting out Canaan and came back with this bounty to show the rest of the people the richness of the land. 

I was thinking on this and wondering how it would apply to me today. I mean, I get Canaan land. It’s the land of promise. I also understand that we are in this land right now. Jesus brought us to this land of milk and honey, this land rich with promise. It’s His inheritance and we have been made joint heirs with Christ, so therefore we are partakers with him. But, I wonder what’s the significance of the grapes? For me, I believe it represents the gifts of heaven and the promises in the Word of God.  I also believe that we as believers carry these “grapes” with us. It’s when we who are in the promised land and know of the riches and have tasted and seen of the glory, bring the good news to those who do not know. It’s when we know of the promises in the Word and speak of it to others. It’s when we see a truth and are willing to share it with those who have been deceived into believing a lie. It’s when we have a revelation of Christ Jesus and give a taste of it to those around us. It’s when we go out of our comfort zone to gain these grapes, these riches, and gather them to bless others with. That is what it means to show the fruits of our kingdom to those who haven’t seen, who haven’t known of the goodness of God. If we are glory carriers, we ought to display the glory for all to see! 

Do we know of the promises in the Word? Do we gather them and treasure them in our heart? Are we courageous in speaking of what we have experienced in the promised land? I pray that if we haven’t, we would make it goal. Let’s strive toward this. Let’s carry the riches of heaven to those in need, and comfort, edify, strengthen and encourage people.