Exodus 6:4
“I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned.”
God gave this promise to the Jews, that they would dwell in the land of Canaan. However, it was a promise for the future. Some held out that hope, while to others it was meaningless. They had been slaves for about 400 years. It’s difficult to imagine anything other than slavery when it’s 400 years. It’s woven into the fabric of their identity. Mothers did not imagine a bright future for their kids. They were raised with sadness. At times they would reflect on the hope of Canaan. “Some day we’ll be free.” It would give some cheer, but their attention was quickly brought back to reality. We have some similarities. God has promised us Heaven and when we get there, the slavery of sin will have vanished. We have been set free from the penalty and the power of sin. Yet we are still bothered by it’s presence. We are reminded by our own struggles and the sinful behavior of others affects us. Some are greatly dominated by sin. To some degree, we yearn to be free from this body of death, Romans 7:24. When we fell in the Garden, shame entered the scene. This is greatly present. We all have our insecurities. Even though we are much older, we are haunted with regret, and plagued with fear. This is the residue of sin. We are still slaves in Egypt. There will be a day when we are completely free in Heaven. Most of us will get there as our mortality ends, while some will be present when Christ returns. Jesus even puts it in His model prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. On earth as it is in Heaven.” Matt 6. We are to let this be part of our daily hope. Much like the WW II sweathearts would re-read their significant other’s letters and yearn for the reunion, so we should be immersed in His Word, the Bible and yearn for our reunion. If this isn’t exciting, then we don’t know Him well enough. Think of no more embarrassment or doubt. That’s the kingdom. Think of no more mental struggles. That’s the kingdom. Think of no more anger or addiction. That’s the kingdom. Lord, let that hope be emblazed on hearts and minds.