In search of my promised land
Why did I interrupt my discussion of Theology to insert a post about politicians and the lies they tell. Trust or lack of trust are connected to my “conservative” theology (Perhaps a future discussion of how I define conservative theology is coming soon). At the intersection of my life right now both are woven or knitted together. Without theology or truth about God and His revelation, where can anyone stand that is not sand? and standing on the rock alone is without gain absent from relationship or trust in God and others?
I find myself at a rest stop in my journey of discovery. And the next step, in my journey is still a mystery. I have not put that next foot forward yet, because the next destination on my journey is unknown. But there is value in the preparations, I make before taking that next step.
Father Abraham packed his possession and traveled to his promised land. It was not only a journey of distance but also of time. Did he know the final destination or even any of the intermediate stops before he left? No. Yet he stepped out by faith setting each foot in front of the other until he arrived at his destination. For as believers we walk by faith, not by sight.
Did he know that his journey would take him through Egypt beyond his final stopping place? Or that it would include breaking fellowship with his nephew? or in giving away the fertile valley of easy living in exchange for the rugged life upon the hill tops of the Land of Canaan? Or in the waiting of his heir to be miraculously born when he was nearly a century old? Faith is sometimes not even knowing the questions beforehand, that is not saying anything at all about the answers.
Near the end, he stood on the mountain top with his son of promise tied and ready to offer him as a sacrifice in obedience upon an altar. A picture of our Heavenly Father offering His Beloved Son on top of that same hill centuries later. Abraham did not have to kill his son, because God would kill His Only Begotten. A death to appease His wrath against sin. A suffering by our Redeemer, so we could live in the everlasting presence of our Creator.
The journey for Abraham was long and many times he wandered from the path the Lord had set before him. Yet it was accounted righteousness to Abraham because of his faith. For the just walk by faith. May I also walk by the same faith that led Father Abraham to his promise land, So I can take those steps into my promised land.
What lesson is there in this narrative for me? I have all ready taken the first steps in my life’s journey. But the next one is difficult to find. I ask myself, why? So I listen to words of my Lord, once again. “Strength will rise with those who wait upon the Lord.” The next step must require much or why would so much waiting and strength be needed in my reservoir for it?
Yet I remain in my spiritual discipline of reading the bible and praying. I trust God that the answer will come. The question is where is my promised land, the place called home. Where, is it exactly? I know it is in or near Cache Valley, but exactly where within this narrow twenty mile valley it is–I do not know. God willing, spring will bring an answer.
As important as the place is, what of ministry? Part of that promise land is ministry to others? The obvious ministry to my wife and children remains no matter where home is. But beyond that God given ministry to family, what works should flow from my faith? God willing, I hope it would be bible teaching in some form.
