Tag: Promised Land

Deuteronomy 32

Today’s reading is Deuteronomy 32 where we read the Song of Moses. In this song, Moses gives a strong witness to the power and glory of God.

Earlier, God told Moses in Numbers 20:12 that he would not enter the Promised Land. Moses can even see it here from Mount Nebo, but after 40 years of faithfully leading the Israelites, God’s people, through the desert…he will not enter. Why? Moses disobeyed God. Earlier in Numbers 20, God specifically instructed Moses to speak and water would come out of a rock Meribah Kadesh when they were suffering from thirst. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice. Does this seem a little harsh to you after the faithful serving and leading Moses has done that just because he struck the rock versus speaking to it, he will not get to enter the Promised Land? If I’m truthful, it does to me. Let us remember though that God is  just. As far as we are told in the Bible, Moses did not complain about his fate and that he would not enter the Promised Land. He doesn’t say, “But God, what about all the other ways I obeyed and things I’ve done to serve you?” He understood God is loving, and He is also just. How did Moses react? He wrote a song we read here in this chapter to glorify God. He gives a warning to the people is in Deuteronomy 32:46 to make sure they teach God’s word and law to their children.

Moses gives us a great example to live by. We may not like what God allows to happen in our lives or the outcomes. Not only does Moses not show animosity towards God for God’s decision to not allow him to enter the Promised Land, but Moses even still continues to serve and lead for God. He continues to glorify God and be a witness to future generations.

Thankfully for us, God is just…and He is also loving. Yes, even one sin should separate us from God and keep us from entering the eternal “promise land” of Heaven. But, God sent us a Savior in Jesus who took the punishment that should have been ours and died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins (Isaiah 53:5). Three days later He was raised on Easter. Because He lives, we will live too and enter the eternal “promised land” of Heaven.

Flowing With Milk and Honey

Side view of breakfast set with chocolate walnuts in wooden bowl jam honey in gift jar dry toast bread butter and milk. Everything on craft paper and vintage knife and spoon with patina.

Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 89; Isaiah 34; Revelation 4

If you live in the State of Illinois, you are familiar with its current conditions. Countless families and businesses are leaving the state in search of more favorable conditions. According to a recent editorial in the Chicago Tribune, Illinois’ decline is the result of “a state debt crisis largely driven by unfunded pension obligations, the country’s worst credit rating, weak job growth. Oh yes, and winter.” The same is said of our humble little town Bloomington/Normal. Daily complaints are issued about potholes, the arena and property taxes. All of them have us questioning if it is time to relocate.

As a business owner, this is a question that I wrestle with continuously. It appears that I can be far more successful – assured of success even – if I pack up and move to the sunshine, along with countless others. But, is it true? Are Arizona, Florida or Texas the Promised Land? Are they flowing with milk and honey?  The mere thought of the Promised Land conjures up images of abundance and fertility. Lush landscapes and rich soil that promote health, growth and, yes, even wealth. Are you ready to move yet? Before you answer yes, consider one more thought.

We have been reading from Deuteronomy, watching patiently as the Israelites get ready to walk into the promised land. Before they go, Moses hits them with a whole bunch of rules. Chapter 5 reveals the Ten Commandments and now, in chapter 6, Moses expounds on them emphasizing their importance. Why? The answer is revealed in verse 3.

Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:3 ESV)

As I read it carefully, I see clearly that I have improperly assumed that “it will go well” with the Israelites because they are in the land that flows with milk and honey. How could it not? Verse 3, however, tells us otherwise. Moses is chiding them to listen and listen well, saying, “be careful to obey.” In this sentence, wellness clearly goes with obedience. It is, therefore, our obedience to God that promotes our health, growth, and wealth, not our location. In fact, the location is superfluous to the conversation.

Just like the Israelites, we are called to obedience right where we are. This is true whether we live in the Promised Land, or in the State of Illinois. In both places, God works. When we assume that our growth has come from, or is only possible when living in the Promised Land, we have stolen God’s glory. We honor God with our obedience and it is our obedience that God honors, no matter where we are.