I have goals, you most likely have goals, and the Israelites had a goal. We all long to reach a Promised Land.
In Numbers 33:51-53, God gives strict orders to the Israelites concerning their goal.
‘When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, SET UP A HAMMOCK, AND RELAX IN THE SUN, for you have finally arrived.’
Actually, it doesn’t say that. (I just wanted to see if you were paying attention).
It says…”When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, DRIVE out all the inhabitants of the land before you. DESTROY all their carved images and their cast idols, and DEMOLISH all their high places. TAKE POSSESSION of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.”
In other words, ‘Children, there is still much work to be done…even once you arrive.’
Sure, they were promised a land flowing with milk and honey. But as my pastor once said, ‘In the Promise Land, milk and honey weren’t found on shelves in jars and jugs at the grocery store ready for their consumption. They had to continue to work for it.’
So whatever your Promise Land may be…better health, better relationships, or a better grip on your finances…if your feet are moving in the right direction, you might already be there. Don’t get discouraged by all the work still to be done around you.
The journey and the work involved might be part of the destination.
It was part of the Israelite’s Promise Land and it might be part of yours.
-Binu