Claiming the Promised Land Through Obedience!

As I was reading and contemplating the acts of GOD performed for the Israelites in the taking of the Promised Land, it began to become very clear to me how these same promises can carry over to believers today. Understand, I believe GOD makes promises of great blessings to those who love Him; but, I also believe there are always stipulations attached to receiving those blessings. Follow me here for a moment.

Joshua 1:1-3 reads like this: “After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: “Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses.” The promise was already made by GOD that everywhere they stepped already belonged to them as their possession.

Sadly, we like to stop right there, claim the abundance of blessings and carry on with life. But, it doesn’t end there. If we follow the Scripture a few verses down, we discover a stipulation, if you will, for fulfillment of this promise. Notice what verses 7b-8 go on to say: “carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

Notice quickly that the LORD voiced His stipulation twice as He told them first to carefully observe the Law and to not turn away from it and secondly to keep the Law on their lips and in their heart, following it always. We love to claim the promises and blessings of the LORD while continuing to live worldly lifestyles often forsaking His Word and His commands. Notice also that success and prosperity, or the blessings of the promised land, were based upon living according to GOD’s plan and purpose as He said these words:“so that you will have success wherever you go” and the second phrase “then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”

The promises of GOD are many for those who love Him, love His Word, and obey His commands. But, obedience is the key. If we would just take our eyes off of the promises and blessings and simply obey GOD, we would find Him showering His promises upon us according to His perfect will and purpose. We would find Him blessing us as He sees fit. But, above all, we would find what it really means to live within the perfect will and purpose of GOD.

Quit looking for what you can get from GOD and simply start looking to please and obey Him in all you do!