The Promised Land: A Taste of Heaven on Earth

Text Deut. 6:1-3; 8:6-18, Rev 21:1-4

The call of God is out, to bring people to His paradise, to the Promised Land, to taste Heaven on earth (Deut. 6:1-3; Isaiah 55, Matt 11:28-29; 22:1-14; John 10:10).

Many people don’t taste the goodness of God; they come to this world, live miserably and perish. How to experience this life, a taste of heaven on earth, and how to sustain this life, is the focus of today’s sermon.

The Promised Land is a ‘place’ where the blessings of God are experienced; a land ‘flowing with milk and honey’(Deut. 6:1-3;8:6-18)- a place of a divine inheritance, the fulfilment of God’s covenant promises, a place of rest, security, and abundance (John 10:10).

Typology of the Promised Land

The Promised Land is reminiscent of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8-14); God wants everyone to taste life there.

The Promised Land is reminiscent of the New Heaven and Earth, the home of righteousness (Rev. 21-22). God wants everyone to be part of His New Heaven and Earth.

Learning from the examples of people who tasted heaven on earth. E.g., Caleb and Joshua (Num. 14); Esther (1-10); Ruth (1-4); David ( 1 Sam. 7); Hezekiah (2 Kings 18-20).

Their secrets: they lived righteously, were very useful to God, and obeyed God’s instructions.

Their failures: Most lost this taste of heaven on earth because of disobedience to God (e.g.,

Gen 3; Deut. 28; 2 Sam 11-12; Jer. 44). Some listened to the devil, others committed sexual immorality, others worshipped idols and practised witchcraft, others became lovers of the world.

Are you experiencing a taste of heaven on earth? Choose to obey God (e.g., Deut. 30:15-20).