Era Four: Entering

The last Era we are covering for this first discussion time is Era 4: Entering.  Where are the Hebrew people entering?  The promised land.  Why do we call it the “promised land”?  Because WAY back when God was cutting covenant with Abraham, in Genesis, He promised Abraham a piece of land.  (See Genesis 15:18-20).  It was the land of Canaan or by today’s names…parts of Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.

Finally, after 40 years of wandering in the desert (oh…can we relate with this stifling heat we have had lately?), they are ready to enter this land.  For those of us who took the Bible studies last spring, this will act as a good review for you and me.  Those that have not studied Joshua, Judges and Ruth as in-depth may have more questions about this Era so please feel free to ask or clarify what you have learned here.

A couple new insights for me as I studied through this Era. 

§  So interesting to note that the book of Joshua (or what we could call Israel’s obedient years – kind of) spanned 25 years whereas the book of Judges and the cycle of sin and disobedience spanned over 300 years. Why did they choose to disobey for so much longer when obedience brought such blessing and peace?  What about me?

§  “God allowed Israel to go into captivity for their disobedience not to pay them back but to win them back.”  He wanted His people to call on Him for help…to see their need for Him.  Is it any different today?

§  The Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land in the country of Moab.  Moab is where we see part of the book of Ruth take place in.  So you can see how Elimelech and Naomi were really going in the wrong direction…back to where God had delivered them from.

§  We discussed this some in the spring, but the freshness the book of Ruth took on for me…realizing that it was set in the middle of the dark time of the Judges…was so encouraging as I strive to raise three little guys to be Godly men.

§  God’s charge to Joshua to MEDITATE on His Word…daily.  As the author puts it, “To meditate on Scripture means to dwell on its meaning until you see how it personally applies to your life.”  This is the difference in head and heart knowledge.

§  This Era gives the Hebrew people a platform to announce the coming Messiah to all the other nations.

A few questions to ponder:

1.       The author states, “Moving Scripture from our head to our heart only comes with effort.”  Later he writes, “A huge difference exists between us mastering the Word of God and letting the Word of God master us.”  Think about these statements for a minute.  Where are you on the head/heart knowledge continuum?  What are some TANGIBLE ways that you can have God’s Word master you?

2.       How is Christ foreshadowed in this fourth era?  Do we see the similarities and differences between physical and spiritual death and what we are being saved from?