Occupy the Land

It seems that Occupy Wall Street has every one's attention, whether you agree with it or not. It does reveal that people are wanting change. The Book of Joshua begins with a huge change. Moses has died and Joshua is selected by God to lead the people of Israel into the promised land.

While many things on earth change, there is something that never changes. What remained constant was God. God promised Israel the land of Canaan. God said to Joshua, "I will give you everywhere you set your feet." What an incredible promise. But success wasn't guaranteed. There were things that Joshua and the people of Israel had to do.

The secret of their success is found in their desire to obey all that God commanded as well as remembering that God was with them as they stepped into the promised land. God has given us promises which still ring true and relevant today. Success doesn't come to us just because we are Christians, but does come when we seek to honor God in all we do. The Israelites were to work together. No one could rest until all of the tribes took possession of their land.

This took a willingness to obey God first in their lives, then to put others before themselves. This sounds similar to the conversation Jesus had with an expert in the Law of Moses. Jesus was asked which is the greatest command. Perhaps this was asked to trick Jesus in some way. The response surprised the religious leaders while reminding us of that which is most important. Jesus said the greatest command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it. To love your neighbor as yourself.

This was put into practice by the people of Israel as they occupied the promised land. I'm not sensing God leading me to join up with an Occupy Wall Street movement, but I do sense this: that wherever I am and wherever I go, I am to honor God through obeying His commands and by loving others. This may not necessarily lead to worldly success, but it will lead you to be right before God, which is the best success one could ever desire. Go occupy the land for the glory of God.