Joshua 22:1-9 Eastern Tribes Return Home

Evidence that God had fulfilled his promises to Israel, as far as the land is concerned, is the fact that Joshua dismisses the Eastern tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) so they are free to go back home. These two and a half tribes were sworn in the beginning of the campaign as they were entering the promised land to stick with their brothers to fight together until the whole land was in their hand. The ending of Joshua chapter 21 is clear:

43 "Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. 44 And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."

Joshua blesses them and reminds them to be faithful to the Lord with the words: "5 Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." This is a very comprehensive charge that challenges my own life. Whether in turmoil or in peace, the Lord must be our everything at all times.

Be careful to observe the commandment and the law! I'm not so certain of how careful I really am in the observance of God's commandments. Many Christians have great difficulty reciting the ten commandments, never mind trying to carefully observe them. I must review God's commands and pay attention to my life to make sure I am observing them. I must keep his commandments.

If I have any doubts of what it means to observe the law, Joshua clears it up for me. It means to love the Lord. So many times I focus on the mechanical and ceremonial aspects of my spiritual practices, but forget that they are meaningless unless I truly love the Lord through them. The other pitfall with the law is to intellectually understand it and even be able to recite it, but forget to walk in his ways. My relationship with God requires a heartfelt devotion as well as a solid practice - they go hand in hand.

Also, observance of the law requires an intimate relationship with God - "cling to him." It is unfortunate that the practice of the Israelites over time became only a ritual without passion. But God gave the law for them to cling to him. He wants me to cling to him! Moreover, my relationship with God does not consist of mere ceremonies and rituals, but service. I must serve God with my life. Service is a very important aspect of my relationship with God. And that service cannot be a half-hearted commitment, but a passionate one. I must serve with all my heart and with all my soul.

Father, help me to memorize your commandments and be careful to observe them day by day. Fill me with your Spirit that I may be fully devoted to you. Make my practice and my passion one that honors you in every way. Amen

Joshua 16-17 Allotment for Ephraim and Manasseh

The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, descendants of Joseph, were given their inheritance. Unfortunately, just like Judah, they did not drive out the Canaanites. Instead, they put them to forced labor, but did not drive them out. On top of that, the tribes of Joseph complained that their allotment was too small and they were too many for the territory. Joshua gives them a fourfold message that applies to me even today.

First, Joshua points out who they are: "You are a numerous people..." They lack assurance in their identity since they constantly thought of themselves as less than the Canaanites. Do I know who I am? My position in Christ is one of a child of God. I am vested with all the benefits of the kingdom by the grace of God. My identity is not based on anything I can do or merit. It is completely based on the work of Christ on the cross. He called me from darkness into light; from death unto life.

Secondly, Joshua reminds them of their resources: "... and have great power." In their complaint to Joshua, Ephraim and Manasseh did not fail to compare themselves with the Canaanites. The Canaanites' military might included chariots of iron. But God had granted great power to them because God fought for them. God has given me power to be his witness through the Holy Spirit who dwells in me. I must not fear the resources of the world and focus on the resources God has given me. 

Thirdly, Joshua tells them that they must work and toil to enjoy their reward: "... you shall clear it ... and you shall drive out the Canaanites." God fought for them and gave them an inheritance, but they must continue to work and toil to expand their territory and enjoy it to the fullest. Christ has given me all I need. I need not work to get into the kingdom, but I must work to keep what has been given me. It is not a work to merit, but a work to maintain. This work is totally dependent on the grace and mercy of God, but work I must. No lazy bums in the kingdom!

Finally, Joshua points to the promised future: "For you shall drive out the Canaanites..." If they are willing to embrace their identity, realize the power they've been given, and work hard to expand their territory, God would grant them the victory despite their chariots of iron. My victory in Christ is assured if only I am willing to work out my salvation. I must persevere to the end to be saved. I must wage the battle of faith day by day to establish God's kingdom upon the earth. His promises are true and will become a reality if only I press on.

Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ whose work on the cross saves me. Thanks for the power of the Holy Spirit that fills me. May I work day by day to establish your kingdom. Rebuke laziness and complacency in me. Fill me with hope in your promises.