Joshua 18-19 Allotment of the Remaining Land

The allotment of God's promised land was not complete yet. The people come in unity before their God at their place of worship to receive instructions. The Lord compels them to stop procrastinating and take action. They had been given the land, but they were putting off taking it. A survey of the land was necessary to describe its boundaries and divide it properly. Also, the method chosen to make the allotments was by casting lots. There was work to do and no time to waste.

The establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth depends, to a certain extent, on God's people. Jesus' return is contingent upon our obedience and diligence to spread the Gospel: Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Am I interested in seeing God's kingdom established upon the earth? Then, I will give priority to the proclamation of the Gospel into all the world - Evangelism and Missions.

Unfortunately, I've noticed a tendency in me to procrastinate. I've gotten busy with other business upon the earth and have forgotten my Father's business. My Father's business is the Great Commission and it tells me to make disciples as I go... Unfortunately, I am going, in fact, I am all over the place, but I have neglected making disciples. My Father's business does not require me to drop the business of life. It requires me to have this unique focus on establishing God's kingdom upon the earth as I go about the business of life.

Why do I procrastinate making disciples? Is it because it's easier to talk about the weather than to talk about the storms of life and present the one who can calm the storm? Is it because it is easier to talk about politics than about the King of kings? Is it because my need to belong is so strong that I don't want to risk being ostracized for my beliefs? Is it because of plain laziness that would rather relax than work for the kingdom? At some point, I have to answer the Lord's question: "How long will you put off going in to take possession...?"

Lord, light the fire of the Gospel in my heart that I may share it with all who have need of it. Grant me a diligent spirit that overcomes laziness and procrastination. Help me focus on the establishment of your kingdom upon the earth. Amen.

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 13 Inheritance East of the Jordan

The book of Joshua makes a turn from Conquest to Allotment. Joshua was advanced in years and it was time to retire him from military duty. The allotment highlights three very important changes in the life of Israel. Firstly, Israel is finally to enjoy God's promise of rest. Secondly, Israel is not to depend on Joshua anymore to drive the enemies out of the land. Each tribe is to take responsibility for their own territory. Thirdly, the inheritance of the Levites is not land, but God himself.

The promises of God have come to be realized in the life of Israel. The promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob have finally materialized. The people God called out of slavery have become masters of a fruitful and prosperous land. Israel can now enjoy God's promised rest. Like Israel, I enjoy the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ. Every possible blessing is mine in him. The rest my soul needed, is finally mine thanks to the conquests of my Lord. Also, I look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of his promise of establishing his kingdom upon the earth. One day, I will participate in the allotment of the whole earth for God's people.

Israel's dependence on Joshua must come to and end. The work must continue under the direction and guidance of the leaders of each tribe. Israel needed to understand that the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth is not dependent on human leaders, but on God using a multitude of leaders throughout their history. This is a valuable lesson for me. I am not indispensable in the kingdom of God. God's work will continue with or without me. I must never place a leader on a pedestal because my God is the one who works for me. There will always be a team of leaders to work on the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth.

The Levite's inheritance is not a piece of land, but God himself. Their story is the story of redemption. Levi had been cursed by Jacob because of murder. But God, by grace, forgave past sins and called his descendants to serve him. They were to be provided by the other tribes. Their rest is not dependent on a piece of land, but on their relationship with God. This is the true rest that God promises every Christian. The Levites foreshadow the promises for me. I am part of a royal priesthood. My rest is in God!

Dear God, fill my heart with hope. May your promises continue to be fulfilled in my life. May I look forward to those promises that are yet to be fulfilled. Help me keep my eyes on you and depend on you all of my days.