SCRIPTURE: Joshua 13:1-14

OBSERVATION:
Much has been accomplished, but the work remains incomplete. We see in v.13 that by the time this was written, there was still work to be done. And because we have the Book of Judges, we know that ultimately they will not finish what they started, and they will suffer for it (Judges 1:27-2:5). Once again, God is not an ogre, demanding so much death and blood; He knows the poison of these sinful nations, and that they will defy and defeat God’s purpose to rebuild paradise (His Kingdom) on earth. God places the Levites in the center of this new kingdom of Israel, without land, for the purpose of keeping God before the people. They are a living reminder that they live with God, and that He lives with them. Unfortunately, we will see in Judges how they ignore this living reminder, and choose rather to live with the gods and godless practices of the land.

APPLICATION:
The Lord has also assigned us a huge and important task, of witnessing to His kingdom to the ends of the earth. Not by the sword but by words and deeds of grace and truth. Our work is incomplete, but like Israel, we have grown comfortable in the world, adopting their values and practices, living like them in most ways (except church attendance, formal prayer and acts of charity). Am I also growing cold to my mission, my purpose? There are so many opportunities in my life, in each day the Lord gives me. But do I ignore them? God also sets up reminders (in the church, in the world, in the Bible, in the whisper of the Spirit in my soul). Like the Levites, these are living reminders of who I am, of why I am here; living reminders that I live with God, and He lives with me, and He is calling me to join Him in reaching out to others.

PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for my cold and passionless heart, as far as Your kingdom mission goes. I admit it, my faith and passion are lukewarm, easily distracted, comfortable in this world. Once again I pledge myself to You, help me to see this through. Amen.