Today’s passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=joshua%2016-18&version=NIV
Joshua 16:10 “They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labor.”
When I read Joshua 16:10, I thought – you’ve got to be kidding me. They were warned that they should not leave anyone alive “lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the LORD your God” (Deut 20:18); They were also commanded to drive all the inhabitants out for “They will give you trouble in the land where you will live” (Numbers 33:55). If you want to peek ahead to Judges 2:10-12 you will see that God gave them this warning for a reason. The truth is, we are all probably guilty of failing to heed God’s warning. He can throw up a red flag the size of Texas and we just walk right past it without even giving it a second thought. If only we would do a better job at heeding God’s warning we would keep ourselves out of such troubles!
In chapter 17:3-6, we meet the daughters of Zelophehad again. Since their father had no sons, they had to request that laws be changed so that they could receive their fathers’ inheritance. Here we see the fulfillment of the promise that they would not be left out of the inheritance. We are reminded that God rewards those who, in faith, claim His promises.
Also, Chad pointed out Caleb’s amazing character and faith in yesterdays reading. Today we see a stark contrast in the requests of the sons of Joseph. They complain that they haven’t been given enough land in Joshua 17:14-18.
Calebs request for his inheritance in Joshua 14:12 came with a commitment to drive out the Anakim using the power that the Lord had given them. Caleb wasn’t looking for the easy way out or a handout. He was willing to do the work and go into battle for his land. The sons of Joseph however were whining about the giants and their chariots in ch 17:16. They had not completely taken the land that was in their midst because it would be hard and dangerous work, so Joshua put them right in their place. He tells them in verse 17 that, yes, they are powerful and therefore they can clear the land and drive out the Canaanites and their chariots. Their greatness was a gift of God and He gave them that great power in order that they might use to drive out the Canaanites. Joshua was not going to let them take the easy way out. He was going to require that they exercise their gifts of greatness and power to take the land of their inheritance.
Sometimes, we fall into this pattern in our own lives. We expect the promises of God to just be handed over to us, but we must first believe in faith and act in obedience using the gifts with which He has equipped.
So we see on one hand, the daughters of Zelophehad. They are not fully equipped to receive their inheritance, but God honors them when in faith, they claim His promises. On the other hand, we see the sons of Joseph. God had equipped them with the tools needed to fully receive the promises, and they were expected to fully exercise those gifts. In either case the glory should always go to God who fulfills His promises one way or another.
In chapter 18, we find that seven Israelite tribes had not yet received their inheritance. Joshua must again encourage them to take what is theirs. God has offered it up to them, and promises to deliver the land into their hands, but they must move forward and take it. Why haven’t they done so? Maybe they feel that what they have is good enough, so they will just be content with what they have. Maybe they fear the unknown new live that is in front of them. How sad would that be to miss out on a promise of God? Take inventory of your own heart. Are there any promises that you are failing to claim due to fear or contentedness? Ask God to open your eyes to these promises and reveal your path to obtain them.
Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe
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“We expect the promises of God to just be handed over to us, but we must first believe in faith and act in obedience using the gifts with which He has equipped”
ReplyDeleteExactly what you are saying here happened to me. I was a lukewarm Christian. These verses showed spiritually what I was doing. .
But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out." 17:17-18
I was a lukewarm Christian. I was half-heartily following God. I wasn’t putting any effort into walking with God but I sure was expecting His promises. I was just drifting through life with one foot in God and one foot in the world. What a miserable place to be! One day, I said, “I’m sick and tired of this” “Enough of this” So I asked God to stir up my heart to seek after Him. This is exactly what God is telling the house of Joseph to do as they complained about their lack of inheritance: “Clear it” If I want more from my relationship with God then it is up to me to do something about it! God has already given me everything I need. It’s now up to me. Sure it might take some work on my part. There could be some trees I might need to take an ax to. The trees don’t clear themselves but if I’m willing to ask God for help, the strength from Him will flood my life to do what He says to do. Thank God, I also found out the last part of verse 18, if I’m willing to do it then “God farthest limits will be ours” I still have a long ways to go but my attitude is let me get some blisters on my hands as I take the ax to the forest for I’ve learned the hard way, its better to be hot or cold toward the things of God than just lukewarm.