Deuteronomy 6:18 shows us the Lord’s heart for His people. We see in this verse that all can go well for us and that we not only can enter into a good land but we can occupy it. This promise for Israel follows a command, to do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight. That is the condition that must be met. As read further into the book, we see that Israel couldn’t hold up this commandment. Even so, the Lord had swore it unto their ancestors. And that’s the beauty of the Lord, even when we fail to uphold our end of the agreement, He can not forsake His word. He sent His son here to bridge that gap for us. The gap that could never be fulfilled no matter how many calamities or plagues fell, no matter how many miracles were seen, no matter how many lessons were learned the hard way and animal sacrifices were given. 

Now, we can receive that promise as children of Abraham because of a covenant that is sealed not by our ability to follow laws but by the spotless blood of the Lamb. His life, death and resurrection proved he was the only one who could perfectly do what was right and good in the Lord’s sight fully, without mistake or blemish. And then when he ascended he left us the Holy Spirit to come inside of us to now help us live righteous lives that are pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Unlike the Israelites of the Old Testament, such as Samson who tried to live a holy life but couldn’t overcome the strongholds of sin that he turned his sights too, we are able to walk a holy path because of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. All we have to do is ask, listen for His gentle voice, and heed the words given. 

The Lord has forever given a way for us to draw closer to Him and His will, His ways, His good path paved by His word and what He says is righteous. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you to that today, to guide you into the good land, He’s waiting.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank You that just as the covenant through Moses was a land grant covenant, the covenant through Jesus is a grant of territory to proclaim the good news of Jesus through the Great Commission. Help me to occupy the territory You have given to me. As I put the gospel of peace on my feet, let me take the sword of Your Spirit in my hands. Put Your words in my mouth to take captive every thought and make them obedient to Jesus. Help me not to shrink back or be slow to proclaim the death and resurrection of Jesus wherever I go. Help me fulfill my part in teaching all nations to obey everything Jesus commanded. In the Name of Jesus, I Pray. Amen.

Living in a “good land” as today’s verse says speaks of peace and productivity. It does not mean spending our energy and money seeking entertainment and pleasure. Why not? The pursuit of pleasure as an end goal is seductive and will lead your heart away from God and toward sinful behavior, as it did Israel’s. In Jesus, we can find satisfaction in our work, love in service to others, motivation in sharing Jesus, and yes, rest and recreation at the right times. Today, consider prayerfully what your internal goals are. Be willing for the Holy Spirit to lead you into a good land in line with God’s priorities.