God’s word for today: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on. Go to the hill country … Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants (Deut.1:6-8).”
Breaking it down:
- Moses and Israel had been in a certain state and stage of their journey long enough.
- It was now time to move on – to move forward. It was time to change. God was calling them to live in another place. He wanted them to move, which involved pulling up the stakes of their tents and packing their bags. It was a call to re-location. They had to leave where they were.
- God was calling them higher – from the base of a mountain to the hill country. It was time to move out of the valleys of despair and to see things from God’s perspective. He would give them wisdom and insight.
- This journey was not going to be easy but would involve some ‘great and terrifying wilderness’ areas (1:18).
- There were many promises given to them and their ancestors that were yet to be fulfilled. There was more! They had not arrived nor experienced all that God had in store for them.
- There was a spiritual warfare dimension to God’s promises. God gave things to them but they had to go in and occupy them, driving out the enemies and squatters living there.
- “Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged (vs.21)!” Fear and discouragement were their two greatest enemies. They were not to allow them to overtake or defeat them.
How relevant is this for you and me today?
In many ways, we each stand on a piece of land, which represents our inheritance in Christ. Yet in all four directions there are giants seeking to keep us 'contained' where we are. Often, they are the enemies of fear, discouragement, apathy and unbelief. These are sent to cause us to stay put and to not advance into the territory that God has for us. Yet, God iscalling us to confront them and push them back.
Kadesh-Barnea became a critical intersection for the Israelites. Unfortunately, they missed their opportunity and their day of visitation. Through fear and discouragement, they chose not to trust in God and, as a result, missed out on entering the promised land. What a sad an tragic story this is.
Father, in many ways, many of us are at an important crossroads in our life’s journey. You are calling us higher – to move out and enter the promises you have for us. This is a strategic time. We must rise up in faith and obedience. We must not miss our own day of visitation. You are our Father and you are with us. You are leading us and providing us with everything we need, including your presence and your power. Many have been through an extended wilderness time. It has been tough but you are always with us. Better days are ahead. Your promises are true. You are a good God and you will show yourself strong on our behalf. Amen.