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. 

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.

Matthew 5:33-37 Oaths

To swear is to make a solemn statement about something as true; or to make a promise to do something. Swearing required invoking a divine witness. Swearing in itself was not prohibited. The problem Jesus is addressing is the use of God's name in vain during swearing. In other words, using swearing to lie or to make false promises.

The common practice of the day was to swear in such a way (e.g. for the temple, for the objects on the altar, etc...) that you could get out of your commitment without consequences. Christ is saying that our words are binding. If we speak, we commit. If we commit, we must follow through.

When I examine my speech, I realize that sometimes I am not careful with my words. I make commitments that I have no intentions of following through. I make promises that are designed to get people off my back, but has very little substance as to my commitment to make it happen. I speak rashly without counting the cost of what I am proposing. I let people down too often, especially those very close to me.

Lord, help me make a commitment to speak the truth always. Help me commit to follow through with my promises no matter how painful they may be to accomplish. Especially with my loved ones, give me sensitivity to speak clearly and not just to get them "off my back."