Divine Stewardship: Hope and Peace Amid Conflict
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound and complex issue of land and sovereignty, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Our meditation was rooted in Hebrews 11:10, which speaks of a city with foundations built by God. This scripture invites us to consider the divine perspective on land ownership and human conflict. We began by acknowledging the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when violence erupted in Israel, leading to significant loss of life and further polarization. This conflict, like many others, is deeply rooted in historical grievances and the struggle for land.
We turned to the Bible to seek understanding and guidance. The story of Abraham and the covenant God made with him and his descendants is central to this discussion. God promised Abraham a land, the land of Canaan, which became a symbol of divine promise and blessing. However, this land was not just a gift; it came with responsibilities and conditions. The Israelites were to be a holy nation, a kingdom of priests, and the land was to be a place where God's presence dwelled and His laws were observed.
The biblical laws concerning land, such as the Sabbath year and the Jubilee, were designed to prevent perpetual slavery and ensure that the land remained within the community. These laws emphasized that the land ultimately belonged to God and was leased to His people as long as they remained faithful to Him. This divine stewardship contrasts sharply with modern views of land ownership and conquest.
Jesus' ministry further expanded the concept of God's kingdom. He came to heal, restore, and set captives free, emphasizing that true worship and divine presence are not confined to a specific location but are accessible to all who believe. This new covenant extends beyond genetic Israel to all who are in Christ, making us all heirs to the promises made to Abraham.
In the present day, Christians are called to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood, mediating God's grace to a world filled with darkness and violence. We are to spread the gospel and bring peace wherever we go, recognizing that our ultimate hope lies not in earthly land but in the heavenly city built by God. As we navigate a world rife with conflict and division, we must live out the peace we seek, in our homes, churches, and communities, embodying the gospel of peace in our actions and deeds.
### Key Takeaways
1. Divine Ownership and Stewardship: The land ultimately belongs to God, and humans are merely stewards. This perspective challenges modern notions of land ownership and conquest, reminding us that we are accountable to God for how we use and treat the land. This divine stewardship calls for justice, mercy, and humility in our dealings with one another. [39:13]
2. The Covenant and Responsibility: God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants included not just blessings but also responsibilities. The Israelites were to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, living in a way that reflected God's character and laws. This covenant relationship required obedience and faithfulness, with the land serving as a tangible sign of God's promises and presence. [34:49]
3. Jesus' Expansive Ministry: Jesus' ministry broke down barriers, extending God's promises beyond genetic Israel to all who believe. He healed the sick, restored the broken, and set captives free, emphasizing that true worship is not tied to a specific location but is accessible to all in spirit and truth. This inclusive mission calls us to reach out to all people, regardless of their background or past. [47:45]
4. The New Covenant and the Church's Mission: Under the new covenant, Christians are called to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood, mediating God's grace to a world filled with darkness and violence. Our mission is to spread the gospel, heal the broken, and lift communities from dependency to self-sustaining. This mission requires us to embody the peace and justice we preach, living out the gospel in our daily lives. [54:44]
5. Hope in the Heavenly City: Our ultimate hope lies not in earthly land but in the heavenly city built by God. This future city promises justice, peace, and eternal fellowship with God. As we navigate a world filled with conflict and division, we must keep our eyes on this eternal hope, living in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom and brings peace to our surroundings. [01:01:41]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:58] - Introduction: A World on Fire
[26:33] - Hebrews 11:10: A City Built by God
[27:03] - October 7, 2023: A Day of Infamy
[28:03] - Polarization and Protest
[29:04] - Historical Context: Israel and Palestine
[30:25] - Whose Land Is It Anyway?
[31:00] - Abraham's Covenant and the Promised Land
[33:12] - Israel's Bondage in Egypt
[34:17] - The Covenant at Sinai
[35:21] - Biblical Laws on Land and Jubilee
[37:34] - The Kinsman Redeemer
[39:13] - Divine Ownership of the Land
[40:15] - God's Presence with Israel
[41:48] - The Consequences of Disobedience
[45:03] - The New Covenant in Jeremiah
[47:45] - Jesus' Ministry and Mission
[50:22] - The Samaritan Woman: Expanding God's Presence
[53:11] - The Great Commission
[54:44] - Christians as a Holy Nation
[56:16] - The Church's Mission and Warning
[57:55] - The Destruction of Jerusalem
[59:02] - The Perpetual Conflict Over Land
[01:00:41] - Hope in the Heavenly City
[01:02:11] - The Vision of the New Jerusalem
[01:03:14] - Living for Peace
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:10 - "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."
2. Genesis 12:1-3 - "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.'"
3. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:10 suggest about the nature of the city that Abraham was looking for? How does this relate to the concept of divine ownership and stewardship of land? [26:33]
2. According to Genesis 12:1-3, what were the promises God made to Abraham, and how did these promises include responsibilities? [31:33]
3. How does 1 Peter 2:9 describe the identity and mission of Christians under the new covenant? [54:44]
4. What were some of the biblical laws concerning land, such as the Sabbath year and the Jubilee, and what was their purpose? [35:21]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of divine ownership of land challenge modern views of land ownership and conquest? What implications does this have for how we treat the land and each other? [39:13]
2. In what ways did Jesus' ministry expand the concept of God's kingdom beyond genetic Israel? How does this inclusive mission call us to act today? [47:45]
3. What does it mean for Christians to be a "holy nation" and a "royal priesthood"? How should this identity influence our actions and interactions with the world? [54:44]
4. How does the hope in the heavenly city, as described in Hebrews 11:10, shape our perspective on earthly conflicts and divisions? [01:00:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the idea that the land ultimately belongs to God, how can you practice better stewardship of the resources and land you have access to? What specific actions can you take to ensure justice, mercy, and humility in your dealings with others? [39:13]
2. Considering the responsibilities that came with God's covenant with Abraham, how can you live in a way that reflects God's character and laws in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to be more obedient and faithful? [34:49]
3. Jesus' ministry was inclusive and aimed at healing and restoring all people. How can you reach out to those who are different from you or who have been marginalized in your community? What steps can you take to embody Jesus' mission of healing and restoration? [47:45]
4. As Christians called to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood, how can you mediate God's grace in a world filled with darkness and violence? Identify one specific way you can spread the gospel and bring peace in your home, church, or community this week. [54:44]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out the peace we seek. How can you actively promote peace in your relationships and surroundings? What practical steps can you take to resolve conflicts and foster a peaceful environment? [01:03:51]
6. Reflect on the hope in the heavenly city. How does this eternal perspective influence your approach to current conflicts and challenges? How can you keep your eyes on this hope and live in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom? [01:00:41]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of living for peace with our deeds. What specific actions can you take this week to let peace reign in your home, church, and community? How can you lift up a gospel that brings peace to a world that seeks violence? [01:03:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Ownership and Stewardship
The land ultimately belongs to God, and humans are merely stewards. This perspective challenges modern notions of land ownership and conquest, reminding us that we are accountable to God for how we use and treat the land. This divine stewardship calls for justice, mercy, and humility in our dealings with one another. [39:13]
Leviticus 25:23-24 (ESV): "The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land."
Reflection: How can you practice stewardship in your daily life, recognizing that everything you have is ultimately God's? What specific actions can you take today to honor this responsibility?
Day 2: The Covenant and Responsibility
God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants included not just blessings but also responsibilities. The Israelites were to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, living in a way that reflected God's character and laws. This covenant relationship required obedience and faithfulness, with the land serving as a tangible sign of God's promises and presence. [34:49]
Deuteronomy 7:6 (ESV): "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out your responsibilities as part of God's covenant people today? How can you reflect God's character in your interactions with others?
Day 3: Jesus' Expansive Ministry
Jesus' ministry broke down barriers, extending God's promises beyond genetic Israel to all who believe. He healed the sick, restored the broken, and set captives free, emphasizing that true worship is not tied to a specific location but is accessible to all in spirit and truth. This inclusive mission calls us to reach out to all people, regardless of their background or past. [47:45]
John 4:23-24 (ESV): "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or marginalized? How can you extend God's love and promises to them today, breaking down barriers as Jesus did?
Day 4: The New Covenant and the Church's Mission
Under the new covenant, Christians are called to be a holy nation and a royal priesthood, mediating God's grace to a world filled with darkness and violence. Our mission is to spread the gospel, heal the broken, and lift communities from dependency to self-sustaining. This mission requires us to embody the peace and justice we preach, living out the gospel in our daily lives. [54:44]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to embody the peace and justice of the gospel in your community? How can you be a mediator of God's grace in a practical way?
Day 5: Hope in the Heavenly City
Our ultimate hope lies not in earthly land but in the heavenly city built by God. This future city promises justice, peace, and eternal fellowship with God. As we navigate a world filled with conflict and division, we must keep our eyes on this eternal hope, living in a way that reflects the values of God's kingdom and brings peace to our surroundings. [01:01:41]
Hebrews 13:14 (ESV): "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."
Reflection: How does the promise of the heavenly city influence your daily life and decisions? What can you do today to bring a glimpse of that eternal hope and peace into your current environment?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I want you to understand today, if you don't know, it pays to serve God. The Psalmist said it right when he declared, I was young and now I am old and yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or the children begging bread. It pays to serve God." [41:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Is there anybody who just wants to thank God for being God all by himself? The book of Ezekiel paints an awful picture of God's people defiling even the sanctuary by worshiping other gods. And as a punishment, God allowed the Babylonians to descend upon the people he loved and they took them captive." [43:55] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Today God's presence is here with us in this temple. Today Christians are a holy nation. A royal priesthood called to mediate God's grace to a world filled with darkness and violence. Christians have no homeland. We have no sacred temples. We have no holy ground. Wherever two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, there is where His presence will be." [54:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I pray for the day where the words of Isaiah will be fulfilled and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, and neither shall they war any more." [01:02:11] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Today, I want us to pray for peace. But I not only want us to pray for peace, I want us to live for peace with our deeds. Let peace reign in our homes. Let peace reign in our church. Let peace reign in our community. Let us lift up a gospel that will bring peace to a world that seeks violence. May God bless you." [01:03:51] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we don't understand what the Bible has to say, we will find ourselves fighting where we should seek peace and silent where we should speak truth to power. Genesis chapters 12, 15, and 17, the Bible tells us that God called Abraham from the land of his birth and gave him a new name, Abraham." [31:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "At the heart of the struggle between Israel and Palestine is a fight over land lost during war. There is no automatic requirement to return land lost in battle. Our modern minds accept the view that land taken by force is land that is lost forever. Native Americans and peoples of African descent understand this all too well." [38:06] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If God were to bless us based upon our faithfulness, we would be slaves. But we serve a God who blesses us based upon his grace. And he lifts us where we don't belong and places us among the stars as a witness to his greatness and for his glory." [43:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In one encounter, Jesus expanded his presence beyond the temple and his ministry to people beyond physical Israel and the borders of Jerusalem. Please understand what this magnificent encounter means. In the past, God only called Israel as his elect. But now, because of Christ, he calls all. He calls black men and white men. Jews and Gentiles. Men and women. Boys and girls. All are precious in his sight and in Christ are heirs to the promises made to Abraham." [51:27] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Under the new covenant, there is no land to conquer, only hearts. Under the new covenant, there is no temple to be rebuilt because we are the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in us. 1 Corinthians 6.19. In other words, we no longer need a temple to experience the presence of God wherever we go as long as we remain in Christ. Christ's Spirit dwells in us. And we in Him." [53:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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