Land of Your Dwelling?

The Land We Dwell: Reflections on Leviticus 26:3-5; 14-16

In the book of Leviticus, we encounter profound themes that resonate deeply within our spiritual journey. Particularly in Leviticus 26:3-5 and 14-16, we are confronted with a powerful question: Which land are you dwelling in? This inquiry invites us to reflect on our current spiritual state, exploring the contrasting landscapes of bondage, uncertainty, and divine promise. Let us delve into three essential themes that emerge from this passage: the land of Egypt, the wilderness, and the land of promised hope.

1. The Land of Egypt: A Place of Bondage

The opening verses of Leviticus 26 remind us of the Israelites' experience in Egypt, a land synonymous with slavery and oppression. For many of us, this "land" can symbolize the spiritual bondage we find ourselves in—whether through sin, unhealthy relationships, or toxic environments. The Israelites endured harsh conditions under Pharaoh’s rule, yet they held onto the hope of liberation. In our lives, the land of Egypt represents the struggles and challenges that keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. Recognizing our own "Egypt" is the first step toward understanding the need for liberation and the desire for a transformative journey.

2. The Wilderness: A Journey of Transition

Between Egypt and the Promised Land lies the wilderness—a space characterized by uncertainty, trial, and growth. The Israelites wandered for 40 years, navigating their faith and identity in a harsh, unforgiving landscape. 

The wilderness can be seen as a necessary phase of spiritual maturation, where we confront our doubts, fears, and reliance on God. It is a place where we may feel lost or aimless, grappling with our past while yearning for a future filled with hope. Yet, this period of wandering is not without purpose; it is in the wilderness that we learn to depend on God’s provision, drawing closer to Him as we seek direction and understanding.

3. The Land of Promised Hope: A Covenant Fulfilled

Contrasting the previous two themes is the land of promised hope—a destination God has prepared for His people. In Leviticus 26:3-5, we see the blessings that accompany obedience to God’s covenant: prosperity, security, and abundance. 

In the Bible, Hebrews 4:9states, "There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God".

This land represents not only a physical place but also a spiritual state of being. In Hebrews we learn that there is a day of spiritual rest for all.  It is the fulfillment of God’s promises and the assurance that we are not merely wandering without purpose. When we dwell in the land of promise, we experience the richness of God's grace, the joy of community, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Choosing Our Dwelling

As we reflect on Leviticus 26:3-5 and 14-16, we must ask ourselves: Which land are we choosing to dwell in? Are we still trapped in the land of Egypt, or are we wandering through the wilderness, unsure of our path? Alternatively, are we stepping into the land of promised hope, embracing the blessings that come from obedience and trust in God? Each of us has the opportunity to transition from bondage to freedom, from uncertainty to fulfillment.

The Tamarisk Tree

Ultimately, the choice of land is ours. God invites us to leave behind the chains of our past and step forward into the abundant life He has promised. By recognizing where we currently dwell, we can embark on a journey toward the land of hope, where we find our true identity and purpose in Him.

The Tamarisk Tree was planted by Abraham as a reminder of God’s blessing. A tree that takes 400 years to mature. It provides shade and shelter to all who are in the land of desolate places. 

So which land are you dwelling in? 

Are you in bondage of a signature sin or circumstances? 

Are you in between - a land of wilderness. How long have you been wandering in a desolate place? 

Are you willing to cross over to the land of promise? 

Passion & Pursuit

I love to see people passionate about something they believe in strongly. I enjoy the energy that comes along with their testimony and even activity. But is that enough?

Perhaps an analogy could help. Take, for example, a baker, who is passionate about bread. They have all the recipes, but it takes action to put all the ingredients together to form the final product. Every recipe is different but purposeful. Passion isn’t enough.

Some may say that passion and pursuit can come naturally. If you’re passionate, then you will take action. It can define your purpose in life and even a stated vision. Is that enough?

A stated mission can enable individual pursuits that may even be lead by a passionate advocate. There’s a combination of several ideas that can flow to enable an organization to thrive. Like bread, it’s not enough just to bake bread for yourself. A baker has customers or even people they can give it to.

That’s what this article brings us to consider today. Can passion, coupled with pursuit be enough for the long haul? Half baked bread is not a goal. Couple passion with pursuit (or even purpose) makes the difference. 

For people of faith, it’s clear when we understand our mission in life. It might be defined by what we have been exposed to or experienced through faith. There are two important dates in our life, the day we are born and the day we know the reason why? As Christians, when we understand, our purpose coupled with our gifts and abilities, passion is the fuel that motivates us.

Consider your mission for just a moment. It could be your church or community group or even the business that you lead or represent. Obviously, there are some businesses that create “widgets & things“ that can define success. The more you sell, the great of the profit, minus the cost can equal success.

In the not-for-profit sector, passion isn’t all it takes. Certainly there needs to be resources through donors or foundations or even contractual services. But in the days we are facing, resources may be harder to find. We can work hard and we could even work smart yet, the pursuit of resources is the long game not the sprint.

I suggest to you that passion has its place. When we think about the three things, we should all have is a part of our day today activities, hunger remains paramount.. i’ve written on this already and the following article will give you an idea of the other two items that include: Humility & Harmony.

Hunger can be solve through temporary means. It satisfies our appetite and cravings for a while. But I’m not talking about physical attributes. I’m talking about spiritual and values based principles. Take for example of sales person. If they’re not hungry for sales, you will see it by their activities and their scorecard.

Checking off your list an item is not the same as accomplishing your goals. Every smart objective needs to be coupled with the pursuit of mission. Take for example this really inexpensive solution for your iPhone as an example.

Just because it functions as a holder doesn’t mean that everybody will want it. It may be practical, but it is not fulfilling to the mission. You may be called to.

I love what Paul said in Philippians that he, though he was imprisoned, was yet passionate and drew upon the analogy of a race. We all must strive as if we were in a race. You could call that passion or hunger. The vision that Paul had toward the mission to which he was called, kept him pursuing the objectives needed. (Philippians 3:14) of course, the race that he is referring to is one that is both spiritual and purposeful. You don’t run just any race, but you want to win the race for which God has called you.

I remain optimistic, but realize that passion is not enough. If I have smart goals, coupled with a great mission, passion can do a lot to meet the objectives. They must be disciplined and applied purposefully.

No one could argue that the apostle Paul possessed a hunger for both righteousness, through right living, and a desire for others to be included. As a follower of Christ, every day I think about ways to witness to another. I ask often , how can I pray for you?

My degree of passion must be coupled with a set of accountabilities that include goals to advance the mission.

Granted, I don’t always incorporate all three of these in my life, yet, I strive to remain hungry for growth, humble in what I do, and work to have harmony with others. Nevertheless, I am thankful for the opportunities God gives me to make a difference in the lives of others. 

How about you?