EATING THE GOOD OF THE LAND By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
— Isaiah 1:19
Introduction:
God has prepared many blessings for His people, and He desires to release them into our lives when we commit ourselves to Him in obedience.
The key to receiving the good of the land lies in trusting God’s plan, walking in faith, and aligning our hearts with His will. This passage from Isaiah reminds us of the consequences of either accepting or rejecting God's will for our lives. Through obedience, we unlock the fullness of God's blessings.
1. The Promise of Blessing:
God has prepared abundant blessings for His people, but these are often hindered by rebellion, disobedience, and lack of trust in His provision.
Supportive Scripture:
"No weapon formed against you will prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," says the Lord."
— Isaiah 54:17
God promises that when we obey and trust Him, no weapon formed against us will succeed, and every accusation will be silenced. This is the heritage of those who belong to Him.
2. The Danger of Rebellion:
Rebellion against God closes the door to the blessings He has prepared for us. Like the Israelites who grumbled in the wilderness, many times we prevent ourselves from receiving God's best because of our own attitudes of distrust and disobedience.
Supportive Scripture:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."
— 1 Peter 2:9-10
We are a chosen people, set apart for God's purposes. If we align our hearts with His, we will enter into the blessings He has prepared for us, becoming instruments of His praise in the earth.
3. The Call to Obedience and Gratitude:
God does not desire us to work merely for material wealth or recognition, but to fulfill His purpose on earth—bringing salvation to others and glorifying His name.
Supportive Scripture:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
— Hebrews 12:1-2
Just as athletes focus on the prize and run with perseverance, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus and remain committed to His purposes. God values not just the actions of His people but their endurance and faithfulness in the race of life.
4. The Importance of Faith and Trust in God's Timing:
When we serve God, it is not for immediate gratification or earthly gain, but to fulfill His eternal purposes. Our faith in God’s timing and promises leads us to victory, even when the road seems long.
Supportive Scripture:
"For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
— Hebrews 12:2
Jesus endured the cross because He saw the joy ahead. Similarly, when we fix our eyes on God’s eternal rewards and His promises, we can endure trials and challenges, knowing He will pour out His blessings on us in His perfect time.
Conclusion:
God desires to pour out His abundant blessings upon us, but we must choose to walk in obedience, trust, and gratitude. By aligning our hearts with His will, we unlock the fullness of His promises for our lives. Let us rejoice in His goodness and trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He is always preparing a way for His people to receive the good of the land.
Let us be faithful to His call, endure in the race, and give thanks for His mercy and provision.
