SCRIPTURE: Joshua 18:1-10
OBSERVATION:
The people are holding back. Joshua exercises wise leadership, organizing the last “stretch” of their campaign. The lot selection method (like drawing straws) done in a prayerful manner is how the remaining territories will be divided. Again we are reminded about the Levites who “inherit” the service of the Lord as priests. No land, just the most critical job in the land – living and serving as reminders of God to the people, and of the people to God. The message I hear from this passage personally is, “don’t hold back, always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, you know your labour is not in vain”.
APPLICATION:
I am holding back. I am forgetting the centrality of Jesus (the great high priet, the ultimate Levite), and the guaranteed victory in Him. We are not fighting with worldly weapons, we are fighting a spiritual enemy with spiritual weapons (faith, hope, love). I need to have my confidence renewed, to recall that the Lord is in control, the “land” is under His authority, and that all that is required is that I move forward. Exercise the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit, stand up for Jesus and live and love like Him… He will work out the victory. Even when the enemy seems stronger than me, or when my efforts seem futile or weak. Keep on, don’t give up, never surrender.
PRAYER:
Lord, I admit it, I have lost my confidence and focus in You. I am more “impressed” with the powers of this world than I am with You, the ultimate authority. Help me to fix my eyes on You, to face my fears and to press on. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to You!!! Amen.
vs. 3: I am convicted of how often I procrastinate, putting off what God is asking me to do, even in every day life situations. Too often I have been guilty of turning away from where God is leading me, or of what He is asking me to do – why? I don’t want to be the one responsible – fear of failure, fear of not living up to expectations, disappointing others etc…… Through verses 8-10, God reveals to my heart how often we (as individuals and as the church) neglect His hand in our lives, relying only on human input. Decisions are made without taking the time to listen for His voice and guidance. How often do we lift up a quick prayer for wisdom and yet do not take the time to be still before Him, listening for His answer, His discernment, His guidance……
LORD, how I need Your transforming power in my life……. Holy Spirit come that His will may be done! Have Thine own way LORD, have Thine own way!
The Lord had promised their inheritance, yet the people were slow in taking their possession. Having a description of the promised land could speeed up the process. Once again we are reminded that the priests do not receive any land because serving the Lord was their inheritance. They were a visual reminder of God’s presence and their needs were to be met by the people.
Lord, help me in my walk from day to day that I walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to see You in all I do. As the people of Israel were slack to take possession of the land, help me each day anew to take hold of the promises You have given doing the task You have given. May I not stand in my own light but may Your Sonshine guide my feet in the pathway of life. Renew, re-energize me each day to serve You – to do Your will.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.