This is not about the Gaza war, but it interesting to look at a map of the land originally promised to Abraham. It includes part of Syria, Lebanon, what is now Gaza, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, part of Sudan, Eritrea and a part of Egypt. Modern Israel occupies a relatively small portion of that land. The rest is occupied by their enemies, apart from Egypt.
Israel never occupied the land fully. Solomon was the most successful. It all fell to pieces after his death and only a remnant remained. Israel was ruled by Gentile nations from that time on. There was a 100 year period when Israel drove out the occupiers. Rome took care of that.
What has this to do with us? God's word tells us that Christians have an inheritance. (Ephesians 1:18). Paul prayed that Christians would come to know what that is. As we discover the glorious inheritance that Jesus gives us, we need to learn to live accordingly. I read a report of a wealthy woman who died of malnutrition. She lived in squalor in a fancy Melbourne suburb. She had a fortune in the bank but never accessed it. There is nothing noble about extreme poverty. It's even worse when it unnecessary.
Many Christians live a sub par life. Spiritually, we have everything we could want or need for abundant, joyful and peaceful life. We should be living above circumstances. We should realise that troubles in our lives is normal and simply stepping stones to lead us into the Kingdom of God.
Israel failed to occupy the land that God gave them. Israel could have had the riches of Saudi Arabia, complete control of the Red Sea and be the most powerful nation on earth. Why did Israel fail so spectacularly?
God warned Israel of the consequences of rebellion, compromise and idolatry. The people agreed to the covenant of blessing and cursing. While Israel followed the law and commandments, God blessed them. When they turned away, all too often, they were cursed. The enemies they were supposed to defeat instead defeated Israel.
Christians, by which I mean those who are born again, make decisions all through their lives. Even those who do not choose are choosing not to choose. There is in reality no fence to sit on. The Christian life practically begins when the Christian consecrates himself fully and unconditionally to the will and purpose of God. God respects our free will.
Our lives should be changing as we go on in Christ. I am not the same person that I was 50 years ago. And everyone who knew me back then is delighted. I needed to change! Jesus came to set the captives free. Jesus gives us victory over sin, self, Satan and the world system. The question is, will we avail ourselves of this great salvation, or will we be like the sad woman, rich but living like a pauper?
Sometime I will continue this to expand on the principles of spiritual growth. For now, those who struggle do yourselves a favour. Quit trying to be something God has already made you to be. Rest in the finished work of Jesus through His death and resurrection. It's all to be found in God's word. It is like a vast mansion, full of amazing treasures, waiting to be explored and appropriated. But as with Israel, it is not automatic.
Israel never occupied the land fully. Solomon was the most successful. It all fell to pieces after his death and only a remnant remained. Israel was ruled by Gentile nations from that time on. There was a 100 year period when Israel drove out the occupiers. Rome took care of that.
What has this to do with us? God's word tells us that Christians have an inheritance. (Ephesians 1:18). Paul prayed that Christians would come to know what that is. As we discover the glorious inheritance that Jesus gives us, we need to learn to live accordingly. I read a report of a wealthy woman who died of malnutrition. She lived in squalor in a fancy Melbourne suburb. She had a fortune in the bank but never accessed it. There is nothing noble about extreme poverty. It's even worse when it unnecessary.
Many Christians live a sub par life. Spiritually, we have everything we could want or need for abundant, joyful and peaceful life. We should be living above circumstances. We should realise that troubles in our lives is normal and simply stepping stones to lead us into the Kingdom of God.
Israel failed to occupy the land that God gave them. Israel could have had the riches of Saudi Arabia, complete control of the Red Sea and be the most powerful nation on earth. Why did Israel fail so spectacularly?
God warned Israel of the consequences of rebellion, compromise and idolatry. The people agreed to the covenant of blessing and cursing. While Israel followed the law and commandments, God blessed them. When they turned away, all too often, they were cursed. The enemies they were supposed to defeat instead defeated Israel.
Christians, by which I mean those who are born again, make decisions all through their lives. Even those who do not choose are choosing not to choose. There is in reality no fence to sit on. The Christian life practically begins when the Christian consecrates himself fully and unconditionally to the will and purpose of God. God respects our free will.
Our lives should be changing as we go on in Christ. I am not the same person that I was 50 years ago. And everyone who knew me back then is delighted. I needed to change! Jesus came to set the captives free. Jesus gives us victory over sin, self, Satan and the world system. The question is, will we avail ourselves of this great salvation, or will we be like the sad woman, rich but living like a pauper?
Sometime I will continue this to expand on the principles of spiritual growth. For now, those who struggle do yourselves a favour. Quit trying to be something God has already made you to be. Rest in the finished work of Jesus through His death and resurrection. It's all to be found in God's word. It is like a vast mansion, full of amazing treasures, waiting to be explored and appropriated. But as with Israel, it is not automatic.
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