Milk and Honey

I don't know about you, but my days right now are spent looking back at 2008 and preparing for 2009. I have had many experiences during 2008, many learning experiences. Now I know that I will be learning as long as I'm alive, we never get to the point that we know everything; this year has been no exception. Anyway, As I look ahead to 2009, I am reminded of Caleb in Numbers chapter 14 verse 8 as he explains to the people of Israel what he saw in the land God was to give them:

8 And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey, and he will give it to us! 9 Do not rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don't be afraid of them!" NLT

One phrase I want to look at especially; It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. I have heard this reference since I was a child and I don't think anyone has ever explained it to me. I felt like I had an idea, but never fully explored the meaning. Let me give you some background on the story where this is mentioned. The people of Israel were slaves in Egypt for many years, and finally god had sent Moses to lead them out. There were many miracles that happened on their exodus (play on words) out of Egypt; there was no doubt god was with them. Before going all the way to the land God was giving them (Exodus 3:8), Moses sent a comittee of 12 men to take a look at the land and see what they were in for, or how big the job was for them to take over this land that God told them would be their new home. When the men returned to Moses, they seemed overwhelmed. Ten of these men said that the job was not possible. they warned Moses that they would not have success if they proceeded as planned. Then two men, Joshua and Caleb, spoke up and said they could do it. Caleb described the "promised" land as a rich land flowing with Milk and Honey.

To me, these words describe what we are looking at when we peer into the year 2009. As I write this I feel like Caleb as I have looked into 2009 and the possibilities and opportunities that lay ahead of us. I see the coming year as a land of Milk and Honey. The Milk represents growth and prosperity. It describes a time when our creativity is going to be raised and the influence of students will increase. It indicates healthy growth in our leadership. Honey describes a sweetness that can be likened to dessert after a meal. Not only will we have favor of growth and health, but we will be able to enjoy it. It will be a time filled with joyful experiences, like the frosting on the cake.

I want to explore this thought with you all over the next few weeks as the new year approaches. We have many responsibilities with what we do, but with that come many opportunities for growth and with growth comes a fullness that cannot fully be described. Be encouraged for what's in store for us as we move in to what God has for us!