(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 7:12-26)

Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if the Promised Land was a completely new piece of land, untouched and uninhabited? What if Canaan was like Eden, a paradise just waiting for Israel to take possession of it, like a brand new gift ready to be opened and enjoyed?

Unfortunately, it was not so. The land of Canaan, was already inhabited, by nations and people stronger than Israel. In order for Israel to take possession of the Promised Land, they had to trust in the Lord to drive out the nations before them, even though from their perspective these nations should have been able to wipe them out.

The fear that these nations caused inside of Israel needed to be addressed, and this would be a growth opportunity. This growth opportunity would allow them to learn to trust in the Lord more than to succumb to their fear.

17 You may say to yourselves, “These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?” 18 But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.

We see again is was important for this new generation to take past history as their own history, because in it, they would find confidence in the Lord to overcome their fears. As we read in today’s Scripture, the work of the Lord in driving out the nations would be done, little by little, which would be tedious and overwhelming. If Israel continued to let their fears reign in their hearts, perhaps they would give up and even think about quitting.

22 The Lord your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. 23 But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed.

As we make a commitment to the Lord in 2026, may we, as Israel needed to do, prepare for the ride. Preparing for the ride means that we know and anticipate the the journey will be long and require endurance, patience, and faith. Prepare for the ride means that we will have to face our fears, perhaps to the brink of our fears overwhelming us, and in that moment experience again the salvation and grace of our Lord.

Prepare for the ride, brothers and sisters, because to take hold of the land flowing with milk and honey, we will need to face our fears, trust in the Lord, and press on towards the prize. May we do so together, as a church, as a family, as an EM.

Let us prepare for the ride, and embark on this journey of growth together.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 7