Read Hebrews 4
Since the promise of entering [God’s] rest still stands, let us be
careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
Hebrews 4:1
There are spiritual lessons in the geography of Israel’s experiences. The
nation’s bondage in Egypt is an illustration of sinners’ bondage in this
world. Much as Israel was delivered from Egypt by the blood of lambs
and the power of God, so sinners who believe on Christ are delivered
from the bondage of sin.
It was God’s desire that the Israelites enter their glorious inheritance in the land of Canaan. But when the Israelites got to the border
of their inheritance, they delayed because they doubted the promise
of God (Num. 13—14). “We are not able,” wept the ten spies and
the people. “We are able with God’s help!” said Moses, Joshua, and
Caleb (see Num. 13:30; 14:5–9). Because the people went backward
in unbelief instead of forward by faith, they missed their inheritance
and died in the wilderness.
Today, Canaan represents our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Israel
had to cross the Jordan River by faith (a picture of believers as they die
to self and the world). They had to step out by faith (Josh. 1:3) and
claim the land for themselves, just as believers today must do.
Something to Ponder
Do you feel that you are “in bondage” in any way? How might faith
help you experience real freedom?