Taking the Land

I’ve been reading through Deuteronomy. It is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It has so much promise for Israel’s future. If they are obedient to the vision and plan of God, they will take possession of the land. It is something they can not do on their own. The enemy is stronger and has fortified themselves with walls.

Last fall we celebrated forty years for our church and prophetically declared we had passed “through the Jordan.” That was not the crossing of the finish line, it was the beginning of the mission. In the Quad Cities we are facing a Jericho situation. The land we want to claim for God’s people is strongly opposed to what we believe. Our region is the 15th post-Christian community in the United States. Most of the population has moved on from Christianity, been influenced by progressive institutions, and has little interest in religion.

There are huge walls that have been built up by secularism, pluralism, and bad experiences with people mishandling the name of Jesus. These are walls that Bible verses and apologetics cannot bring down. Israel was called to circle the city and to worship. We are called to something very similar. We must continue to be faithful to do the things God has called us to. In the midst of that faithfulness - gathered worship, teaching the Word, genuine fellowship, outreach, and sharing our testimonies - God will bring down the walls and allow us to go in.

Taking the land means being used by God to win the hearts of the people, to point them to the lover and Savior of their souls. This is something we do on purpose in our everyday lives. We look for breeches in the walls, moments of vulnerability where we can offer prayer, encouragement, service, or testimony. We are not a conquering force, but a people conquered by the love and grace of Jesus who wish to share what we have discovered with others. The Holy Spirit brings down the walls and God uses our willing obedience to take the territory, step by step, person by person.

We are on that mission already. Let’s stay focused on the victory He has already won!