Way back at the beginning of Genesis, God created the Garden of Eden for man to dwell in. It was perfect: No war, no famine, no pain, no death, and, best of all, full communion and intimacy with God. He walked in the garden during the cool of the day, according to Genesis 3:8.
But there was a catch. The peace between God and man and the perfect harmonious environment in which they dwelt together would only exist as long as man followed God’s Law. In that time, there was only one: Don’t eat from the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil.
Adam and Eve broke that rule, were cast out, and faded into history.
The same could be said for Israel at the end of Leviticus. Through the first thirteen verses of Leviticus 26, God promises a utopia for Israel to dwell in. Peace, strength, provisions—the only thing they had to do was keep God’s law. However, should they stray from His commandments, the consequences would be dire, leading to a cycle of suffering and restoration. This covenant emphasizes the significance of being God’s chosen people, highlighting both the privileges and responsibilities that come with such a divine designation. Ultimately, their fate hangs in the balance between faithfulness and disobedience, reminding them of the sacred relationship they have with their Creator.
As we’ll find out, they broke that rule, and were cast out of Canaan.
But take a second to think about what Israel would look like in 2025 had they kept God’s commandments? Can you imagine a society today that has unparalleled military strength, abundance of natural resources and no natural predators that would overtake man? Best of all, it would enjoy a direct relationship with God. Those were all promises made by Him in Leviticus 26 had they remained faithful. In such a hypothetical scenario, the uniqueness of Israel’s sexual ethics would undoubtedly be a cornerstone of their societal harmony, promoting family structures that fostered stability and growth. This adherence to divine principles would shape not only personal relationships but also the community at large, leading to a culture deeply rooted in mutual respect and responsibility. As a result, the nation’s overall well-being would reflect the blessings promised in the covenant, creating a model for others to aspire to.
In today’s world, that society would not only be a haven for those who value peace more than anything else, but it would also be a light to the world around it—a testament to what happens when you walk with God and follow His Word.
Unfortunately, such a place doesn’t exist. Or does it?
Christians do not have a land of their own. There is no “Christian-ville” where God has promised us an eternal inheritance on earth. However, He does talk about our lives and our souls as being “His own possession” (Titus 2:14). We are a walking territory, a movable land of sorts that displays to the world what a life looks like when it’s in concert with God’s Word.
Outside of our bodies, the world isn’t perfect. There is war, conflict, lack, strife, and sin.
But inside of a Christian—just like there should’ve been inside Israel—there is an abundance. We’ll never lack, not because God feeds us with manna, but because He looks out for us. This doesn’t mean we’ll never go hungry or get everything we’ve ever wanted, but it does mean that the basics of life are taken care of. And with that, we shall be content (Psalm 37:25; 1 Timothy 6:8).
The choice is ours to make. Will we follow His Word as He’s laid out for us, choosing His path above our own? Or will we try to blaze our own trail, as so many have before and ended up with heartbreak?
Just like Israel, that path is up to us.
