The Sheer Sweetness of Stolen Land: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Inheritance
Okay, friends, let's talk about land. Not just any land, but the Promised Land. You know, the one God literally gave to the Israelites, kicking out the people who were already there. Now, I know this might sound a little…intense at first, but stick with me because, honestly, when I think about it through the lens of faith, it’s just… wow. God's ways are truly higher than ours, right? (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Growing up, I always heard the stories of Joshua leading the Israelites into Canaan. And yes, it's a story with battles, with nations displaced, but what I always focused on was God fulfilling His promise. He said He'd give them the land, and He did! It’s a testament to His faithfulness. It reminds me of when my family moved to the house we're in now. It wasn't easy. There were so many hoops to jump through, so many frustrating moments. But you know what? We prayed for this place, and God provided. Seeing that happen in real life, it's like a small echo of that grand promise to Israel.
Think about it: God had a plan, a specific inheritance, for his chosen people. He knew exactly where they needed to be to fulfill His purpose. In Deuteronomy 12:2, it says, "You shall surely destroy all the places where the nations whom you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree." That’s a pretty direct instruction, and it’s not something we should shy away from. God was clearing the way, removing influences that would lead his people astray. It's like when you're cleaning out your closet, you have to be ruthless to make space for the things that truly matter. You gotta get rid of the junk so the good stuff has room to breathe. God did the same for his people.
Now, some might say, "But what about the people who were already there? Isn't that unfair?" I used to struggle with that a little, too, but then I started thinking about how God isn't bound by our human concepts of fairness. He’s sovereign. He knows the whole picture (Romans 8:28). And if He chose that particular land for His people, then it was for a reason. It’s like when you have a tough boss who seems really unfair, but then, after time, you realize they were helping you grow. God's not a tough boss, but sometimes his actions might seem harsh in our limited human vision.
For me, the story of the Promised Land isn’t about conquest; it’s about God’s intentionality and the inheritance he promises to each of us. It's a reminder that even in the areas of our lives where things seem difficult or confusing, God is orchestrating a plan for our benefit. Lately, I've been struggling with where I should put my talents. I've felt pulled in a couple different directions, and it’s been so stressful. But just like God promised Abraham land, I trust that He has a place for me. He’s got the perfect spot, even if it means someone else has to move on for me to have my promised space.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have compassion. I truly believe that we’re also meant to extend grace and forgiveness like Christ. It's about understanding that God's plans might look different from our own and trusting that His ways are ultimately perfect. It’s also a challenge to step into our own promised land, whatever that may look like. Not only for ourselves, but also to allow others to achieve their goals as well.
So, next time you hear the story of the Israelites taking the Promised Land, I challenge you to see it not just as a tale of war, but as a powerful example of God’s faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His intentionality. It's a reminder that God has a specific inheritance for each of us, just like He had for the Israelites, and that is truly sweet to ponder.
What areas of your life are you struggling to see as part of God's promise and how can you allow God to direct you?