I. Naturally, destination is a place of rest. This differs from one individual to another under varying circumstances. The land of promise and land of Egypt are two destinations in a Christian (race) journey. The former can be a position, place or height God desires for us as his children (Deuteronomy 1:25; Deuteronomy 26:9) while the latter can be viewed as house of bondage where people are ill-treated (Deuteronomy 13:10). When you experience lack financially, emotionally, spiritually etc, you are in your land of Egypt and the current global crisis is the World’s land of Egypt.
II: Our choice for either of the two destinations depends on the relationship we have with God. Are we in the right relationship? How cordial is our relationship with Him? As it is declared in Deuteronomy 6:18 when you do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord you are rest assured of the land of promise (Job 36:11).
III: What means do you want to devise to journey to your destination? The Children of Israel went to the land of promise by foot (Joshua 1:3); for they walked forty years in the wilderness (Joshua 5:6). To God, it was purposeful as they failed to display quick maturity in their relationship with Him. Little wonder why God put out those nations before them by little and little (Deuteronomy 7:22), to achieve these purposes in Deuteronomy 8:2.
1. So that they depart not from the right path verse 2(a)
2. That they would be humbled verse 2(b)
3. To further demonstrate His mightiness verse 2(c)
4. To have heart knowledge about their obedience to His voice verse 2(d)
IV: After walking on foot for these years quite a large number of the Israelites could not make it to the land of promise for disobedience (Number 16:35, 49) and not trusting in Him (Deuteronomy 1:26-36) despite the signs and wonders He showed to them at Egypt (Number 14:22-23).At the slightest absence of their spiritual leaders they went back to sin (Exodus 32:1-4, Judges 4:1, Judges 8:33-34) and this does not please God (Exodus 32:9). And God issued a strong warning that they would be punished swiftly and severely in the event that they sin against Him. (Deuteronomy 28:68)
V. When the children of Israel were close to the land of promise they were turned back for disobedience (Number 14:25). What a painful situation as they committed enough to the cause (Exodus 36:5), yet they could not reach their destination. So also is a man at the verge of his success, could experience setback which is sometimes born out of his relationship with God.
Conclusion:
Are we following His steps? For the steps of a good man are ordered (Psalms 37:23) and surely he will get to his land of promise.Caleb, the son of Jephunneh followed Him wholeheartedly and he got to the Land of promise where he possessed his possession (Number 14:24). I don’t know of you, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).
Prayer Points:
1. Oh Lord I cancel the manifestation of anything that will take me to the land of Egypt in Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. Oh Lord I pray that at the verge of my achievement I shall not be found wanting, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
3. Oh Lord I pray that the fulfillment of my destiny shall not be at a snail speed in Jesus’ name. Amen.
4. Oh Lord I pray that I possess my possession and fully benefit of it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture References:
Deuteronomy 28:68; Joshua 1:3, Deuteronomy 1:25, Deuteronomy 26:9, Deuteronomy 13:10, Deuteronomy 6:18, Job 36:11, Joshua 5:6, Deuteronomy 8:2, Number 16:35, 49; Deuteronomy 1:26-36, Number 14:22-23, Exodus 32:1-4, Judges 4:1, Judges 8:33-34, Exodus 32:9, Deuteronomy 28:68, Number 14:25, Exodus 36:5, Psalms 37:23, Number 14:24, Joshua 24:15.
Richard P. Chukwugozi
richard78ng@gmail.com
