Entering the Promised Land (Movin' On Up)

Movin' On Up (Entering the Promised Land)

I am struck by the parallels of Israel being on the doorstep of the promised land as the book of Deuteronomy reaches its conclusion and C3's journey into our Muldoon Community as we prepare to move into our Ministry Center.

The Israelites, given the chance to enter the promised land once before had shrunk back. Though the land was very good, fruitful, and filled with "milk and honey", there were also giants, fortified cities and many other obstacles. Now a new generation had come on the scene. What would they choose?

In Dt 30:15-16 (NLT) says, “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy."

What a promise! And even more, God promised to be with them in Dt 31:8 (NLT) - "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

So, we see they had:

1. A great opportunity

2. A great challenge

3. A greater God (who was with them).

Similarly, in the NT, Jesus invited His disciples to go "into the deep water" (Lk 5:4-11), because though there might be wind and waves, that's where the fish were. He directed them to go into the Harvest field (Lk 10:2-3), which were ripe for the picking, yet they would be as sheep among wolves.

Again, we see great opportunity, great challenge, and a greater God, for as we know when Jesus sent us out into the world to preach the Good news, and teach, and baptize, He promised He would be with us always (Mt 28:19-20).

So here, now and today, what about us? Are we ready to go out into the land we have been called to, the deep water where the fish are, and the harvest field ripe with souls needing to be gathered in?

That's what C3's "Movin' On Up" is really all about - going out into our community to be light and life. To get out of our comfort zone and go where the opportunity is great, the challenge is great, but with the God who is greater yet. "He who is in you is greater than He that is in the world." (John 4:4). Because of Jesus, we are compelled, equipped and able to go. We can do this! WeRC3.

~ Pastor Ben