Psalm 68:7-9 says, "When you went out before your people, O God, when you marched through the wasteland, 8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain, before God, the One of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. 9 You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance."
I love the imagery here! Remember what God did for His people in the wilderness. Forty years of wasteland ... after four hundred years of slavery ... but God was with them. He had told Abraham of a "promised" land. His descendants finally - with God's aid - we're led to that place. Imagine the refreshment that Joshua and the people experienced as they finally crossed the Jordan River, broke past Jericho, and entered into the Promised Land.
Are we not in the exact same situation? This world we live in is a wasteland. Having been released from the chains of sin, we are still living in a world of sin. Many of our earthly soldiers have complained of long battle campaigns, yet the Christian soldier engages in spiritual warfare every day of his life on this earth. But there remains a refreshment - a rest - for God's people (Hebrews 4:9-10)! The apostle Paul certainly believed in it, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
March on, weary people! Your inheritance awaits!
Jonathan, it is SO refreshing to read what you write! Thank you again! It is so comforting and inspiring.
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