History Lessons

To set the stage for the Promised Land/Spirit-Filled Life illustration, I think it would be helpful to begin with a brief history of the people of Israel.

In Genesis 12, God called Abram (later renamed Abraham) out of his country and promised to make him into a great nation. He was destined to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. In Genesis 13, God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abram and his descendants forever. In Old Testament times, this referred to all the territory west of the Jordan River (Wycliffe Bible Dictionary). Throughout the generations, God maintained his covanent with Abraham and reiterated it to his grandson Jacob, renamed Israel in Genesis 35:9-15. Jacob had 12 sons and his descendants became known as the children of Israel.

Jacob's son, Joseph, was sold by his jealous brothers to be a slave in Egypt and rose to power to save the nation in a time of great famine. As a result, Jacob and his family settled in a territory of Egypt called Goshen. The children of Israel grew in number and might in the land of Egypt and a new king came to power who enslaved them out of fear. After 400 years had passed, God raised up a deliverer named Moses who led the people out of Egypt and through the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

Jon Courson highlights the symbolism of these Old Testament events. The Israelites' deliverance from Egypt is a picture of salvation. Passing through the Red Sea symbolizes water baptism. But there is more. The Israelites were supposed to travel from Egypt and enter the Promised Land - an eleven day journey. But when they got to the land, they failed to enter in. In their unbelief and disobedience, they got stuck wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, until that entire generation passed away (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb).

What did the Promised Land represent to the Israelites? It represented fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham - a land of their own where they could rest, thrive, serve God and be an example to the nations around them. And eventually bring forth God's ultimate gift - Jesus Christ - the Savior of the world. Similarly, I believe there is place that we are called to as New Testament Christians where we are living in the power and abundance of the Spirit and fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. Yes, we receive the Spirit at salvation, but there is still a journey to maturity in Christ and fullness of His Spirit. What happened to the Israelites? Why didn't they enter into the land when first given the chance? The crux of the journey occurs on the banks of the Jordan river. It's a decision to cross to a land that holds great promise, but unknown challenges, or stay on the safe (if a bit dry) side. We can learn much from their experiences.