A City on A Hill

Was it only because the land was fertile? Was it because it had strategic warfare advantages? Was it for economical reasons? 

The reason God chose the land of Canaan as the location for his people was because of geography. The location of this area happened to be the place where everyone went in or out. Everyone in the ancient world, all the other kingdoms, would pass through the land of Canaan at some point of their lives. God chose this place so that the Israelite people can touch the lives of so many people. God wanted the Land of Canaan to be a blessing to all nations. God was choosing his people to be partners with him to influence the world. Just like the tabernacle was in the center of Israel, Israel became the center of the ancient world. 

God did not want to take his people and put them into a corner of the world or far away from other religions or peoples to keep them safe. Instead, he risked it all by putting his people right in the middle, in order for his people to have influence to all the people around them. 

God put his people on a hill, a city on a hill, to be the hope for the rest of the world, to distribute peace to the rest of the world.

The same is true today. 

God wants to put his people, disciples of Jesus, in the center of their cities, their neighborhoods, their schools so that we can be a blessing to other people. God marked the times and the exact places where we should live so that others may reach out to him too. 

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 

Matthew 5:14-16