"They ate of the produce of the land of Canaan that year." — Joshua 5:12
Israel’s exhausting journey had finally ended. After years of moving tents, facing poisonous snakes, battling fierce enemies, and wandering in empty deserts, they arrived at their promised land. This land, flowing with milk and honey, became their place of rest, and they enjoyed the food that grew there.
Perhaps this year, dear Christian believer, this could be your story or mine. The future looks bright, and if our faith is active and strong, it will bring us pure joy. Imagine being with Jesus in the special rest that waits for God’s people—it’s a wonderful hope! And expecting that glory to come so soon makes it even better.
Sure, we might feel nervous about death—the Jordan River that stands between us and heaven—but let’s remember: we’ve already faced harder things in life than what death can bring at its worst. Let’s push away every fearful thought and rejoice with all our hearts, hoping that this year we might begin to be “forever with the Lord.”
Rest and Service on Earth
Some of us will stay here on earth this year, continuing to serve the Lord. If this is the plan for us, the New Year’s verse can still be true: “We who have believed do enter into rest.”
The Holy Spirit is like a promise of the amazing inheritance we’ll receive in heaven. Even now, He lets us enjoy “a glimpse of heaven on earth.” In heaven, God’s people are safe, and just as surely, we are protected in Christ Jesus. In heaven, they celebrate their victories over sin and hardship, and here on earth, we can have victories too.
The spirits in heaven have close friendship with the Lord, and we aren’t denied that here. They rest in His love, and we can have complete peace in Him. They sing His praises, and we too can bless Him.
Heavenly Fruit on Earth
This year, we can gather heavenly fruit even while we’re here on earth. Faith and hope can transform the dry deserts of life into the Lord’s garden, full of His blessings.
If people once ate food meant for angels, why can’t we enjoy heaven’s blessings today? Let’s ask God for the grace to feed on Jesus, trusting in His love and promises, so we can taste the fruit of Canaan’s land this year.