I wonder if any of the Israelites actually followed these instructions once they arrived in the Promised Land. I hope so. Because it’s a wonderful way of thanking God for finishing His work of making them His people and bringing them into the Promised Land. And so everyone who thanks God for His work brings an offering, worships—and parties.
Because that’s what the last bit in the ceremony involves—”You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you.” They are supposed to celebrate, and to invite the Levites who had no inheritance to celebrate with them—yes, and any foreigners who might be living among them, too. Because this is a time for everyone to be happy and celebrate what God has done. It is completed.
We too will someday come into our own “promised land”—that is, the kingdom of God, the new heavens and new earth, where evil and death will never come, and we will live with the Lord we love forever. And what ceremony will there be to mark the great homecoming?
I think it’s the celebration that Revelation calls “the marriage supper of the Lamb” (see Revelation 19:6-9). It’s the time Jesus described as when “many will come from east and west and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11b). That party is open to everyone—foreigners, Jews, Gentiles, people of all sorts—everyone who trusts in our Savior Jesus, who suffered, died, and rose again to make us welcome at God’s table. Because of Jesus, our salvation is complete—and we will rejoice forever.
WE PRAY: Thank You, dear Lord, for bringing me into Your kingdom. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you have any right to expect to be at Jesus’ table?
2. Why or why not?
3. Why can you be sure you will be there, and happy?