There is a verse in Psalm 85.5 Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have their hearts set on pilgrimage.
Life is a journey, a dynamic, in which changes and losses and additions come into. Setting our hearts on following God through these things bring great blessings.
The invitation Moses gave to his brother-in-law, Hobab, is beautiful:
v.29 We are setting out for the place about which the LORD said, "I will give it to you." Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel."
John 1.35-39, 43-46, 4.29; Matthew 11.28-30
There is an open invitation to come to Jesus in this day of grace. It is an open door.
The invitation by Moses tells us about the LORD. Our invitation to others ought to have the same components.
1. The LORD is faithful to all His Promises. Psalm 145.13
You have probably said when someone has made you a promise and failed to it, "Promises! Promises!" If you haven't said it you probably have heard someone else say it.
You will never say this when it comes to the LORD and His promises. His Word is as good as done. His Words are deeds before they happen. His word is the guarantee.
Look at some of the promises He made to Israel:
Exodus 3.6-8, 6.6-8, 23.20-33
Moses was inviting Hobab, his brother-in-law, to become a partaker along with Israel of these things.
The LORD has promised good things to Israel.
Taste and see that the LORD is good. Psalm 34.8Trust in His Promises.
Rest in His Presence.
Kept By His Power.
Not one word He spoke will fail.
In this Great Invitation we see the LORD has promised good things to Israel. He is faithful to all that He has promised. We also see that:
2. Every good and perfect gift comes down from Him. James 1.17
Compared to the load of sin the yoke of Christ is easy.
Think of the fellowship of it, the consequences of it, the peace of mind that comes with it (rest for your souls) and eternity.
These good things promised to Israel are from the LORD. The good things in your life are from Him. They come down from the Father in Heaven. That is one of the reasons Jesus taught us to pray to Him.
Psalm 84.11 No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
If you walk with Him your journey will have peace, security, and joy.
This great invitation was given by Moses to Hobab and was an invitation to enjoy these blessings if he joined them on the journey to the land God had for them. Interesting to note Moses was given Hobab work to do as well. The full joining in on this journey is serving. Helping others in the Body of Christ brings great joy to them and to us. There is something for everyone to do.
He fills our lives with good things as we make our way to heaven. Some of those good things are discovered in the darkest valleys (Psalm 23). We appreciate the light in the darkness more.
Finally this Great Invitation tells us...
3. The Future for His people is bright and sure. v.32
One of God's gifts to us is strength for each day. Another is bright hope for tomorrow.
In the Old Testament the move was by Israel to the Promised Land.
Under the New Covenant the journey is from earth to heaven.
Under the Old Covenant He was with them.
In the New and Everlasting Covenant He is with us and in us and upon us.
His Presence is part of His Promises:
Matthew 28.20
John 14.16-17, 16.13, 33
Think of people you know today who need Christ as their Savior. Neighbors, friends, family members, people at work. Look for the opportunity to say to them, "Come with us."
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