Joshua 14 The Inheritance West of the Jordan

Allotment of the land was to be completed for all the tribes of Israel, except the Levites. Two and a half tribes received allotments on the East side of the Jordan. The rest of the tribes were to receive their inheritance on the West side of the Jordan. The conquest was assured by the crushing blow of God upon the enemies under the leadership of Joshua. But now, each tribe is to fight for their own territory. I glean a few principles form this historic moment in Israel. Allotment is geographical. The allotted land is not paradise. There will be special allotments as special rewards to those who are faithful.

My life has a circle of influence that I must use in the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth. I must learn to take responsibility for that circle to advance the cause of the kingdom. Each tribe was apportioned some land to be accountable for it. Even the local church, as an institution, should draw a circle around itself and define its circle of influence. Claim a territory for the glory of God. Not for the land itself, but for the people who live in it. Christ is our "Joshua" who conquered sin and death, but we have battles to fight in our "allotments" or circles of influence.

The inheritance given to the Israelites was not a return to the Garden of Eden or paradise. The allotted land is a place of conquest where they had to drive out the enemies remaining and be on guard to ensure that the enemy did not come back. My life is definitely at rest in Christ, but at the same time, in this "not yet" time in history, I am in the midst of a fierce battle against the powers of darkness. I am to claim my "territory" to make sure I drive out the enemies from my circle of influence and bring the power of the Gospel to bear upon it.

Caleb's life is an inspiration for me. He stands as an example of a life devoted to following God despite the circumstances, despite the people, despite the odds. He was one of the spies who was able to see God conquering the enemy to grant Israel the promised land. I want to be like Caleb. Because of his faithfulness, he was granted a country hill of his request as a special reward for all his work. God will grant special rewards to those who serve him faithfully. Even Caleb had to fight the Anakim (giants) to seize his reward. 

Lord, help me take responsibility for my circle of influence. May the local church take charge of its circle of influence as well. May I be like Caleb; faithful and fearless until the end.

Joshua 4:1-24 Twelve Memorial Stones from the Jordan

As a nation, we have our share of monuments that remind us of prominent historical figures or moments. The Washington Memorial was erected in memory of our first president. It is the tallest building in the city and there is a law against building anything taller. The Lincoln Memorial is also in honor of one of our presidents which many believe is responsible for the union of the states as we know them today. The Iwo Jima Memorial marks a turning point in World War II - "there is no turning back."

The Lord commanded the nation of Israel to pick up stones from the middle of the Jordan river. A representative of each tribe was to pick one; twelve in all. These stones heaped upon each other had a purpose. They were to remind Israel of the great day in which God cut off the waters of the Jordan in front of the ark of the covenant. Every person who lived the experience was to relive it as they glanced at these stones. The monument was also to instruct future generations in the great deeds that God performed for Israel. They were to tell their children: "Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground." Of course, the hand of the Lord Almighty was responsible for such a great feat. Finally, the monument was to proclaim to all the nations that the hand of the Lord is mighty and keep the fear of the Lord in his people.

A memorial is totally different from an idol. An idol is a man-made representation of God. People use it to somehow get in touch with the divine, when indeed, it is impossible to do so. A memorial is a reminder of an event to instill confidence in God's power and might as well as fear in his holy name. Memorials exalt God by bringing to memory something God did in the past. 

One great memorial for me is my Baptism Certificate. Every time I look at that piece of paper, it reminds me of the awesome work God did in my life as a teenager; how he transformed my way of thinking and how he rescued me from hopelessness and death to a new life. The other memorial in my life is hanging in my office. It is a plaque with a Scriptural verse (Phil.4:13) given to me on the day of my ordination to ministry. I will never forget such an awesome moment in my life. My God called me to serve him and I surrendered my life to his call. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

We all have memorials that God has given us. What is important is to value them as such. I must dust them off or get them out of the closet or file and make them visible so they can minister to me. Memorials will remind me of the great things God has done in my life and inspire me to worship him. Keep them visible. Keep those memories fresh. Here applies the saying: "Out of sight, out of mind."

Lord, help me dig out the memorials you have given me. May I display them in strategic ways to remind me of your great deeds. May they move me to honor you and fear your name.