The lay of the land that stretches out before the kids of the Kingdom has an awesome eternal strategy locked inside of it. For the sake of this time of devotion, let's think for a moment of the outer workings of our Salvation as a prepared and favorable land that God has set before us. Picture the preparations of this land as being designed and ordered by the Lord who loves us with an eternal love. This land is meant to offer a daily welcome and encouragement for those who were once held in captivity (and may still be in need of much attending to because of their former scars). {Read vs. 1}
In this land … there is a support system that frees His kids from the depravation of guilt and shame, it is called forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just words that are spoken, it is a lifestyle of constant reinforcements to bring about new trust. There are new clothes given daily in exchange for the rags of sin, this is known a restoration. Restoration has to exchange the strange old pride in the worn out garments of sin, for the new breath of life and walk of liberty provided with the new garments. Because forgiveness and restoration are the way of life in this land, the wrath of the King does not dwell in this land. The fierce burning of His anger is actually turned in the opposite direction of His kids. This fierce burning has become a defense for the land. This fierce burning is constant reminder that the wages of sin is death, and that the gift of God is because of His mercy that is found in Jesus. {Read vs. 2-3}
The land is not without flaw, being only the temporary stopping point on the map of redemption, its comforts are but a shadow of the Final Home. It is not without its difficulties; moments of shame and disappointment could potentially occur daily. We will wonder at times if the King is angry with us, and if there has been a breech in the fierceness of His anger that vents back our way. At times we will feel unloved because of how near this land is in proximity to the fall. Why would our God set up a garden of passionate prayer, right on the spot of our greatest offense? This will always be a point of contention until we are finally home. Why would this same garden with its mixed and sometimes turbulent struggle, always be the place of revival and rejoicing? The flaws that still present themselves will remain a conundrum to those who have yet to return from captivity; and a constant reminder to the Kids of the King that “WE NEED HIM!”. {Read vs. 4-7}
The most awesome thing about this land is the opportunity that He has given His Kids to hear His voice. The hearing of His voice is the joyous choice of those who daily thrive on the value of Its sound. This Word of His Voice does speak peace, completeness, and soundness to those who daily separate themselves from the folly of not listening, and step out into the promises of the land. These are the “set apart ones” who radiate the salvation of the King and magnify His glory as they dwell in the land of the “Listening.” {Read vs. 8-9}
Truly hearing His voice allows His kids to see the joyous and non-conflicting meeting of Mercy and Truth. Observing this meeting gives them the potential for sound judgment among their peers. Attentiveness to what He says gives them front row tickets to experience the intimate kiss of “The Cross” that is exchanged between eternal righteousness and everlasting peace. His word allows them to see His truth springing from the earth and righteousness looking down from Heaven. The daily intimate connection to His Word gives His kids full access to experiencing His constant love for them. {Read vs 10,11}
“Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good: and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before Him; and shall set us in the way of His steps.” Psalm 85:12,13
The most awesome thing about God is His desire to bless us with a life that allows us to trust Him with the details. Jesus goes before you and places you in His steps of love all the way. You may say piously or humbly “I am not worthy”, but do not allow your words to negate His. “Come and Follow!” Trust him with the details of your life, for He is more than trustworthy.
HLFA,
Jeff
O He wants to wash away "Our Scar" judgments of the events of our lives daily with His Word, for it is empowered by His Spirit and His Scars for us... but we must read, listen, meditate on it, open up to it, and let His Word dwell richly in our lives. When we stop refusing to hear and truly listen, then comes liberty.