How to Take the Land

“Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you.” –Deuteronomy 4:1

When the Israelites entered Canaan, their goal was a complete takeover. They were to completely destroy or forever run out of town the people occupying their God-given land.

Needless to say, this is not our goal when we move to a new place. Our goal is to make our home among the people in our new community. Once we feel an inner sense of belonging or rightness about a place, we’ve taken possession. We’ve reached our goal.

Unfortunately for the Israelites, they never reached their goal. They got tired of their conquest and settled for less than God intended for them to take. They became comfortable living outside of God's Will. Eventually, they found themselves in quite a pickle because of it. (I wrote about this at Wildflower Thinking a few weeks ago. To read those thoughts, click here.)

Again, running the neighbors out of town is not our goal. But living in the center of God's Will is! When He sends us to a new location, He wants us to, figuratively, take the land for Him!

Deuteronomy 4 tells us how to do this: Follow God’s law. Read God's Word and let it change you through and through. For example, the Ten Commandments, summed up simply, tell us how to get along with God and with others. (See Deuteronomy 5.) Once we’ve learned to do this, we can make friends--godly friends--just about anywhere. There’s nothing like a Christian friend to help someone in a new land!

Think about it: If God is number one in your life and everything you do is for His glory, your actions and choices will reflect that priority. Your true friends will be Christians who also want to honor God. (You’ll find them in the Bible-believing church you choose to attend regularly.) Non-believing neighbors and acquaintances will see the positive way you relate to God and to one another and will be drawn by God’s Spirit to want to learn more. Suddenly you’ll have new brothers and sisters in Christ, and you’ll have taken possession of the land. This sounds so simple, but it requires a complete focus on God and obedience to His Word. Live for Him, and He’ll help you make a home--anywhere.

Master, teach me Your law. Help me obey. Show me how to take this land for You! Amen.