7/10/2014

Good morning,
Today we are reading from the Book of Deuteronomy.  It seems that the story is told in Exodus, retold and the people "numbered" in the book of Numbers and told again one more time in Deuteronomy. 
The book opens with the author's name, "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel..." (Deut.1.1)  Then, goes on to tell where the events took place.  God has graciously given us all the details needed to ponder at what He wants us to know about His chosen earthly people.
The first words to strike me were in verse 6 of chapter 1; "...Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount."   Then, verse 21, "Behold the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up, possess it, as the Lord God...hath said unto thee."

"Canaanland" is a real place in the life of Israel.  A place where "milk and honey flows" and all that is needed for sustained physical life is available.

"Canaanland" is a real spiritual place in the life of a believer.  Sadly, however, many never reach that place of "sustained life" in the Lord Jesus.  Oh, they are "born into the family of God, by faith" but never reach a place of contentment, joy and peace that God has promised in His word.

The book opens with "ye have dwelt long enough (here)."  Then the Lord commands, "go up, possess it."  Our spiritual Canaanland is like that but most christians never attain unto it.  Just like only two from the original vast multitude of people in Exodus went in, so it is with God's saved people today.

He saved them from hell to live a joyous, victorious, satisfied life in Him in Canaanland.  Instead, they wander, murmur and fearfully take each step.  Why?  Well, it's no small thing to be called a sheep.  That's a study for another time.

I want to be like Joshua and Caleb who "wholly followed the Lord."  I want Canannland.  I want the best that God has for my life and the lives of my family.

Amen