41. Go into all the world and make disciples Go means a Change of Location
Chapter 41: Abarim – Overlooking the Promise
41 - Aḇarim –עברים H56 Israel.”
Parallel: The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32)
Scripture: "He answered, ‘I will not,’ but later he changed his mind and went." (Matthew 21:29)
Introduction: A Moment of Reckoning
As the Israelites arrived at Abarim, they found themselves at a crucial juncture—a moment of reckoning before entering the Promised Land. This chapter draws from the Parable of the Two Sons, highlighting themes of obedience, repentance, and the transformative power of choices. The journey to Abarim serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning our actions with our commitments to God.
Abarim: The Place of Reflection
The Meaning of Abarim
Abarim translates to "the regions beyond," symbolising both the end of a significant chapter in the Israelites' journey and the threshold of entering the land of promise. This location signifies a time to reflect on past decisions and their consequences as the people prepare for what lies ahead.
Overlooking the Promise
While at Abarim, the Israelites were reminded of the promises God had made to them—a land flowing with milk and honey, a place of rest, and a future filled with hope. However, the temptation to overlook these promises loomed large, especially as they recalled the struggles and hardships of their wilderness journey.
Go means a Change of Location
The story of the Children of Israel’s Exodus and the teaching of “Go” as a change of location highlight that obedience to God's call often involves both a physical and spiritual transition. During their journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, the Israelites experienced a literal move from bondage to freedom, symbolizing God's desire for His people to leave behind slavery to sin, fear, and doubt, and embrace their divine destiny.
In Christianity, the concept of “Go”—as Jesus commands in Matthew 28:19—means more than just traveling physically; it also signifies a spiritual move. It involves leaving behind old mindsets, sinful ways, and limitations to step into new areas of faith, purpose, and divine promise. Just as the Israelites relocated geographically, believers are called to change their spiritual location—moving from a place of stagnation, fear, or sin into new dimensions of God’s grace, kingdom authority, and victory.
This change of location—both physical and spiritual—demands faith, obedience, and a willingness to step out of comfort zones. God’s call to “Go” is an invitation to walk in newness of life, to embrace His plans, and to pursue His purpose wherever He leads. It involves trusting that His presence will go before and with us, empowering us to overcome obstacles and fulfill our divine assignments.
In conclusion, the Exodus reminds us that “going” often involves a change of location—leaving behind what is familiar to embrace what God has prepared for us. Spiritually, this means moving into new realms of faith, service, and divine blessing, fulfilling God's purpose through obedience and trust in His presence and power.
Parable of the Two Sons
Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) both emphasize that true obedience involves more than words; it requires action and a change of location—both physically and spiritually. During their exodus, the Israelites were called to leave Egypt—a land of oppression—and move into God’s promises. This physical movement symbolized their need to leave behind slavery to sin, fear, and disobedience and step into God's new plan for their lives.
In the parable, Jesus contrasts one son who verbally agrees to obey his father but does not follow through, with the other son who initially refuses but later obeys. Jesus highlights that true obedience isn’t about words alone but about actions—going where God leads and doing His will. The concept of “going” involves a change of location—leaving behind comfortable or sinful habits and moving into the promised blessings of God’s kingdom.
Spiritually, “go” signifies a transition from complacency or disobedience to active faith and obedience. Just as the Israelites had to physically move to reach their divine destiny, believers are called to change their spiritual locations—leaving doubts, fears, and worldly attachments—so they can walk fully in God’s purpose. It involves trusting that God’s presence goes with them and that their obedience will lead to blessings, miracles, and divine breakthroughs.
In conclusion, the Exodus and the parable teach that God's call to “go” always involves a tangible change of location. Whether physically moving into a new land or spiritually stepping into a new realm of faith, obedience requires action, courage, and trust. True service and relationship with God involve leaving behind old limitations and stepping into the fullness of His promises by obeying His Word and His divine direction.
Reflection: The Call to Reflect
The Israelites were called to reflect on their journey thus far. They had faced trials and tribulations but had also witnessed God’s faithfulness. Abarim served as a place to assess their commitment to God’s call and to remember the importance of following through with their promises of faithfulness.
The Parable of the Two Sons: A Lesson in Obedience
Understanding the Parable
In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus tells the story of two sons asked by their father to work in the vineyard. One son initially refuses but later repents and goes; the other agrees to go but does not follow through. This parable illustrates the significance of actions over mere words and emphasises the heart of obedience.
Reflection: The Transformative Power of Repentance
The son who changed his mind symbolises the journey of many believers. At times, we may initially resist God's call or feel unworthy of His promises. However, true obedience is shown when we recognise our need for change, repent, and align our actions with God's will.
Reflection: Faith in Action
Jesus used this parable to challenge the religious leaders of His time, highlighting that those who might seem far from God (like the tax collectors and sinners) were often more responsive to His message than those who claimed to know Him. This serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is not merely about our initial response but about living a life that reflects His teachings.
Lessons from Abarim and the Parable
- Self-Examination: Take the time to reflect on your spiritual journey and your responses to God's call. Consider areas where you may have overlooked His promises or hesitated to act upon His guidance. Journaling your thoughts can help clarify your feelings and decisions.
- Embrace Change: Recognise that repentance brings transformation. No matter what past decisions you regret, God welcomes you back every time you choose to follow Him wholeheartedly. Embrace this change and allow it to reshape your heart.
- Live Out Your Commitment: Assess how your daily choices reflect your commitment to God. Identify areas in your life where you need to realign your priorities to honour His promises. Make a list of actions you can take to ensure your behaviour matches your declarations of faith.
- Seek Accountability: Find a trusted friend or mentor with whom you can share your spiritual journey. Discuss your commitments and ask for support. Having someone to encourage you can help reinforce your decisions and keep you on track.
- Actively Respond: Make a conscious effort to take practical steps that demonstrate you're obedience to God’s call. This might include volunteering for a church event, reaching out to someone in need, or initiating conversations about your faith. Show through your actions that you are ready to move forward into God's promises.
Conclusion: Stepping into the Promise
At Abarim, the Israelites were reminded of the importance of recognising and acting upon the promises of God. Like the son in the parable, we are all given choices that shape our journey. The opportunity to follow through on our commitments and embrace the path of obedience is ever-present.
Prayer
"Lord, thank You for the reminder that my journey is not defined by my initial responses but by my willingness to follow You. Help me to reflect on my choices and to embrace the changes necessary to align my life with Your promises. May I be quick to repent and ready to act on Your call, trusting that You have a good plan for my future. Amen.”
Chapter 41: Abarim — Crossing into His Promise with Faith and Boldness
The sky above was a tumult of gray and violet, swirling like a storm brewing somewhere just beyond sight. The clouds pressed low, heavy with unseen rain—hanging in the air, waiting. The earth beneath their feet was cracked and dry, every step felt like a press into the dust of delay, the weight of waiting for something that hadn't yet arrived.
Bob stood at the edge of the camp, muscles sore, heart pounding fiercely—part exhaustion, part expectation. His hands trembled as he gripped the staff, feeling the rough wood dig into his palms. His eyes traced the horizon, where the barren land met the sky. Just beyond it was the land of promise, but in this moment, he felt the ache—Are we really ready?
The children—Caleb, Joshua, and Sharon—stood close to him, clutching each other’s tiny hands, trembling all the same. Their eyes were wide, longing for a future they couldn’t yet understand. Dust coated their faces, and their small bodies shivered—not from cold but from the weight of unspoken fears.
Nancy was nearby, her face streaked with dirt and tears, trembling as she looked across the barren land. Her voice was soft but fierce: “God’s calling us,” she whispered to her children, her eyes fluttering with hope and trembling with uncertainty. “He’s calling us beyond the wilderness—beyond delay—into the promise He’s prepared. But we have to trust Him—starting now, in this moment. We have to believe that His power is enough, even in the hardest times.”*
Bob looked at her, then at Caleb, Joshua, and Sharon. His heart was heavy but burning with resolve—because he had seen God move in mighty ways. He remembered standing at the Red Sea—the waters opening wide, the victory they’d already claimed. He remembered receiving manna each morning—daily bread—divine provision in the middle of the desert heat. And he knew that the same mighty power that had fought for them before was still alive and active.
This is the moment.
His voice, rough from the dust and fatigue, broke the silence: “We’re not just wandering,” he said, voice steady and full of conviction. “We’re about to step into what God promised. We’ve seen His glory—His power to save, to heal, to break strongholds. But now, we have to choose to trust Him—right here, right now.”
Nancy reached out and took his hand, her fingers trembling, but her spirit fierce. “We have to leave behind the old fears,” she whispered. “Because the Lord has already defeated every giant—every obstacle—at the cross. Now, our job is to walk in faith, declare His victory, and believe that He will do the impossible again…”
The Call to Move in Faith
The Spirit stirred in her, whispering softly: “Go”— and she knew it wasn’t just about geography. It was about a divine shift—leaving behind old doubts and stepping into a new realm of trust and obedience.
Bob looked at the land yet to be taken—dry, cracked, seemingly hopeless—and felt the fire of faith ignite in his heart. “We may not see all the pieces yet,” he whispered, “but we trust the One who sees everything—the One who has already won.”
He looked into Nancy’s eyes—strengthening her with every heartbeat—then turned toward the children, whose trembling legs and wide-eyed wonder reminded him: this is about more than land. It’s about the divine purpose God has for each of us.
He whispered, “It’s time to step out—by faith. To believe that the God who parted seas and brought fire on Mount Sinai is with us—even now. His Spirit goes before us—making a way where there is no way.”
The Final Step—Into the Promise of Power
The sun dipped further—deep golden light spilling across the desert—illuminating the path ahead. Bob’s heart thumped wildly—part fear, part faith. He drew a deep breath, feeling the Spirit strengthen him—like a mighty wind inside, urging him to rise:
“This is the moment. Take the step. Walk in obedience. Declare the victory.”
Nancy looked at her family—her face streaked with tears but shining with divine purpose. “We’re not just crossing the physical land,” she whispered, “we’re crossing into His divine promise—His victory—by trusting His Word and simply obeying. And I believe—deeper than ever—that His power will carry us—just have faith.