Abiding in the Promised Land

God's Word is our map to the Promised Land!

     The Word of God is full of promises. Some promises are meant for the Hebrew nation of Israel while others are meant for the spiritual offspring of Abraham. One inheritance meant for both is an abundant life in the Promise Land.

     In the Bible we learn that God had designated a specific territory for His chosen people the Israelites. This promised property is where God Almighty did dwell among man in the midst of a people He purposed to be a holy nation. The Israelites were meant to be God’s light in a dark world filled with sin and its painful and deadly consequences: A beacon of hope that would draw others to the warmth of God’s love and provision. Under the care and protection of Yahweh, the tribes of Israel took possession of the Promised Land and received the blessings of abiding in the presence of God. Though they first stumbled in the desert with unbelief delaying their inheritance, life was rich as cream and sweet as honey for Jacobs offspring past the Jordan.  At least life was blessed from time to time in the Promised Land.

     The covenant promise made between God and his servant Abraham was established with conditions that Israel must obey to possess the blessings of the land. God’s laws required the nation to worship no other but the Lord Almighty. The One True God was their provider and protector; they were to seek only His favor while serving one another in love.  They were commanded to live set apart from the people of other nations who worshiped false gods, lived immorally and pursued every kind of wickedness: The Chosen People were to be holy as God is holy. Had Israel obeyed the Words given them by God, they would still be living abundantly in the Promised Land today. Tragically, they broke the laws of the Covenant again and again until more than territory was lost in Israel’s failure to abide in God’s word, the Lord’s blessing was also lost for a time.

     Author and Speaker Beth Moore, encourages the Church with the truth that this side of the cross, New Testament Believers in Jesus Christ have their own Promise Land to enter and possess. While the Christian’s Promise Land is a spiritual territory to abide in it remains as real as the Holy Land of Israel. Likewise possession of the blessings inherent to the land, are subject to belief and obedience of its occupants.

     Gaining access to the gift of grace and eternal life through Jesus is simply gained through sincere repentance and a prayer of acceptance.  However possessing the Believer’s Promise Land takes battle. Just as the Israelites of old had to step into deep waters, shout in the name of Yahweh and draw their swords to take hold of their inheritance, so too must Christians fight the good fight to live abundantly in Christ.

     Jesus said “It is written:  ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word which comes from the mouth of God,” (Matthew 4:4NIV)

     I believe one principal of this truth is connected to Jesus’ title The Bread of Life. For through Christ we partake of His body--the bread--sacrificed for our sin and we gain eternal life. However, many Christians have long lives to live beyond their salvation experience. I hear in Jesus’ words, “but by every word which comes from the mouth of God,” that importance is equally placed on digesting also the truths and life principles God has commanded us to live by in His Word. The abundant life is connected to the balanced diet of both Christ crucified and resurrected life in obedience to the Word of God.

     Jesus also said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV )

     The Lord does not desire that we would merely hang on to our eternal salvation and live battered and broken while we wait for His return or our passing. Instead, Jesus desires we live victorious and blessed in a spiritual place of peace, joy, contentment, harmony, love, truth and purpose. These fruits of abiding in God’s Promise Land are not dependant on perfect circumstance. Even when fires of tests and trials rage and threaten destruction, we can trust the power of the Living Water is available for us to extinguish any threat.  

     Thereby the Word of God is critical to our possessing and abiding in the wonderful Promised Land of blessings. Beth reminds us that to believe God is to know he desires to bless our lives. Reading the Word, processing its truth, holding our own lives up to it as a mirror and discussing it openly with God will guide you to your Promise Land. With every step you will draw nearer to the heart of God where every Believer is destined to abide in a land flowing with milk and honey: a place of abundant provision, peace and beautiful.

Oh Father, help us with our unbelief!

Tracy L. Frazier

Director/Founder of The FOLD: Fellowship Opportunity for Ladies Discipleship

Video: Beth Moore – Believing God (:23:00 – :31:22);

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_PZeql7xIc

Music Video: John Waller – While I’m Waiting; 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6X71sXagUY

Scripture John 15:1-11NIV; 11NIV “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”