Numbers 14:20-24 - "The Lord replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. 21 Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, 22 not one of those who saw my glory and the signs I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness but who disobeyed me and tested me ten times— 23 not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. 24 But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it."
In these verses we see God's actions towards a nation in disobedience and his actions towards individuals who lived obedient lives. A nation may be judged by God for their disobedience, but in the midst of judging them he shows his love and kindness to those who follow Him completely.
Those whom rebelled against God had been promised to receive this wonderful land. Yet, because of their disobedience they didn't receive the promise, but Caleb and Joshua received the promise. The promises God has made to us can not be annulled by the majority. The inheritance God has promised us can not be lost due to the disobedience of others. The realization of God's promise to us is solely dependent on God's faithfulness and our faithfulness towards Him.
Yet, here we do see that God's promise to Joshua and Caleb were delayed (40 years) due to the disobedience of the nation of Israel. In the same way, the promises God has made to us can be delayed do to the disobedience of those around and God's judgment on them. Yet, ultimately God's promise to us will be fulfilled as we remain faithful to Him and take hold of it by faith. Therefore, if your promise has been delayed, do not be discouraged because it is on its way.
I think it is wonderful to know that God's goodness towards us is not thwarted by the sin of others or God's judgement on them. God punished the people of Egypt, but in the midst of their judgement, God spared His people.
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