Acts 17: Part 3--Land

Once again, Acts 17:26-27 tells us:

²⁶ and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, ²⁷ that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 

This verse speaks of three things—seasons (appointed times) which we looked at here, tribes (nations) which we looked at here, and land (boundaries of their habitation) which we'll look at in this blog. God has appointed times, boundaries, and seasons for all of mankind. He has appointed them for you and your family (tribe), as well as your community and nation.

After the flood, God made a covenant with the earth, not to destroy it because of man’s sin. He also established that seasons would remain as long as the earth did (Genesis 8:21-22).  God loves the earth—the land, the dirt and everything in it. Revelation 11:18 tells us that He will destroy those who destroy the earth. We're not to trash the earth. God loves it. He created it first and then put man here to take care of it. 

The Bible tells us that creation groans until the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19-22). Why? What are the sons of God to do? Take care of the earth—the land—the nations—and rule according to God’s ways—which is good for the earth and the people in it. 

Care for your earth—your land--and take care of yourself—your body--which is made from the dirt. Align yourself spirit, soul, and body with God and His ways. As we take care of our own lives properly, we gain authority to expand beyond ourselves to our families, communities, and so on. Tend to your garden. Leave it better than when you came. 

The land (and water) is your provision. In the parable of money usage (Luke 19:11) the nobleman gave his slaves money and told each of them to do business with it until he returned. Some translations say, "Occupy until I come." They were to do business, occupy a certain place or space, until he returned. 

Where or what you occupy is your occupation. Your work, whether its a business on your own land or holding a position somewhere else, provides for you. You produce wealth from it. At least, that's the intention and purpose of your work. You have a position, or work, to do whether geographically or occupationally with your life--your time, talent, skill, energy etc.

When we look to the beginning, the first half of Genesis we gain insight into God’s plan for the land. 

• The Pattern of the Week.
  God gave us an example of work and rest-- to work six days and rest on the seventh--the Sabbath. This is a pattern to follow still today. The day of rest (Sabbath) is for the Lord. A reminder that we do not rely on our own strength. Determine in your heart to follow this pattern of the week.
• Noah's dove.
  
        The dove sought rest and returned to Noah. By doing so she brought a message of truth and hope. The raven just continued in its own strength out on its own which represents trying to maintain through our own strength, even our own "religious" works.
  Become a warrior dove of rest in your land.
•          Favor of the Righteous FathersRighteous fathers have brought God’s favor to the Earth—Noah and Abraham for example.The people learned through them both to obey God, as there were consequences for disobedience. Pray for righteous fathers to arise today and bring God’s favor to the earth.
•         Tower of BabelGod scattered the tribes/families into other lands. God’s intention was never a global government or culture. Remember how your tribe and culture honors the Lord, while respecting/admiring others too. (Not compromising your faith in Jesus Christ, but not trying to conform everyone to be like you).
•         Israel’s Covenant LandGod gave Israel a specific land with boundaries and laws on how to live in that land. God said He would bless those who bless Israel.Bless Israel and pray for them.
•        Ten Righteous could have saved a cityAbraham negotiated for Sodom and Gomorrah and was told that the city would not be destroyed if there were ten righteous in it. If there would have been, the entire city would have been spared. The depth of pure righteousness in a few will do more for a city than having many lukewarm “Christians" in it. Don’t be lukewarm. Unity in a nation comes from an undivided heart in God’s people. Wholeheartedly serve the Lord.
•         Seed CovenantAbraham was willing to sacrifice his son, so God gave His Son for the sin of mankind. Later, Isaac had to stay in the land, but bring a wife back home from his father’s people/blood. Jacob as well, took a wife from the same bloodline. Canaan and his descendants were cursed (because of Ham) and had to be removed from the land.Stay in the land you are called to, but maintain the ways of the Kingdom in it. Don’t give in to the sin around you.