Say So

Read Psalm 107:1-22

Read Joshua 15

In Joshua 15 we hear a very long description of the allotment of land for Judah. To the modern reader, this might be a little more dry, a little more (dare I say it?) boring. But I guarantee that it was not dry and boring to the Israelite who just experienced the passing into the Promised Land and the conquest of the Lord over the enemy. Think about entering your own Promised Land (Heaven) and the Lord would show you the terrain and the features, the rivers, trees, the Holy City! We would listen attentively and thankfully, and soak it all in.

Indeed, we can do this already. Although we only have a few descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth that God will make for us on the Last Day, we can begin to picture it already. We know it will also surpass everything we can think and imagine.

But in a sense we have already begun to come into the promise. We can rejoice that we have new life, we have peace and hope, we have joy and love. Already God is pleased to dwell with us, and to continue to come to us in love and strength through the means of grace. Already we can "see" with eyes of faith the defeat over the enemy and the abundant blessing of God. We can already experience this because Jesus suffered the punishment of our sins for us. And God has given already (and promised the future fullness of it) this blessing to us in baptism, and renews it daily through His Word and in our remembrance of baptism. It is renewed as well in the Sacrament of the Altar. Thanks be to God!

Can we see how far our blessing goes? Can we see the abundance in our lives? Can we see that God is defeating sin, death, and the devil before us? Can we see that we have peace and rest already now? Then, let us do as Psalm 107 encouraged. It says, "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble." (v. 1-2). God is good. His love endures forever. Therefore, we who are redeemed should "say so!" Tell someone. Share your joy. You can see and experience your salvation already. God has done this good thing. Say so!

Pray:

O Lord, let us never forget your steadfast love that delivers us. Help us not to be overwhelmed by the confusion and conflicts, the struggles and sin around us. You have restored us to yourself through the cross. You have given us the peace for which we have longed. You are bringing us into the Promised Land, our Heavenly home. Thank you. Amen.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!