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.

Joshua 1:10-18 Joshua Assumes Command

The promised land represents a place of rest. God's plan for his people is to lead them into a rest he has prepared for them. For a Christian, the promised rest begins with a relationship with Christ that unfolds into the ultimate rest in the new heavens and new earth. Though Christ has purchased my rest with his work on the cross, it is imperative I understand that there is much to do to advance the kingdom and establish God's rest upon all the earth. Though Christ has won the war, there are many battles to be fought before the full establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth.

As the Israelites prepare to advance into the land, our God summons all of Israel to fight together. He did not allow the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to remain behind (though their territory was already conquered). The conquest was an endeavor for the whole nation. Though there are many churches in the world, we cannot forget that we are part of one body of Christ alone. We are all in this together. There should be more cooperation among churches to reach the world.

In order to accomplish the task, it is necessary that each and every brother and sister commit to the task at hand under the leadership God has commissioned. Every church must have strong leadership that counts on the resolute commitment of each member. The task at hand requires no less. It is impossible to set out on a conquest, to advance the kingdom of God in the world, unless we all commit to give our all and pledge our loyalty to the leadership God has established.

I am not in palace yet. I am still at war in the battlefield. Father, help me be a leader committed to establish your kingdom upon the earth. Give me resolve to advance the cause of the Gospel at whatever cost. Bring unity to your people to fight together against ungodliness.