They Obeyed Every Command

Today's Reading:

• Joshua 21:1 - 23:16

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Joshua21:1 - 23:16
The elders of the tribe of Levi came to Joshua to discuss land allocation for their tribe. We are told the leaders of the other tribes each conceded land that had been previously given to them "by the command of the Lord" (22:3). As we continue to read chapter 21, we see that each tribe willing gave up their very own land. In verse 8, we again see that the "Israelites obeyed the Lord's command"and assigned the land based on sacred lots.

The notion of sacred lots has always intrigued me. I tried to learn more about it. The general consensus seemed to be that sacred lots were considered an impartial way to make a decision when no clear direction from God was given. I was also told that no sacred lots are mentioned after the Pentecost. I have not verified if this is the truth, this is just what I read from various sources and have not researched it myself. It is generally agreed, because there was no mention of sacred lots after the Pentecost, that the divination of the Holy Spirit upon us has negated the need for sacred lots. There is no longer that divide. The Holy Spirit can live in each of us if we so choose. That's pretty amazing! No longer do we have to go to priests who have to go to the Lord for us; instead the spirit is accessible to each of us. The blood of Jesus Christ bridged that great divide and made that possible. I can feel the Holy Spirit; I know God is there and with me. This makes me wonder what it was like before, when intercession was made directly with sacrifices and through priests.

After the Levi's were given their land, Joshua called the half-tribe of Manasseh and the tribes of Reuben, and Gad together. Joshua told them that they had obeyed every command the Lord had given to them. They had been faithful and followed through. They were now being blessed and granted rest, just as the Lord had promised.

What struck out to me most today in my reading was obeying the Lord's command and finishing strong. Multiple times we were shown a faithful people who obeyed the Lord. Joshua's speech on being faithful and following through really struck me. I want to be the faithful servant who finishes her race for the Lord. There would be no greater honor than to finish strong and true. To obey the Lord wholeheartedly. I fall so short of this measuring stick, but everyday I shall try to follow more closely, to honor and obey the Lord my God.

Joshua Defeats 31 Kings; Obeying the Lord

Today's Reading:

• Joshua 11:1 - 12:24

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Joshua 11:1 - 12:24

I'm learning that Joshua fought far more than just the battle of Jericho!  In my last reading I saw how a group of kings banned together against the Israelites but the Israelites easily defeated them with God's help. 

What I learned today was even more astounding.  Dozens of kings banded against Joshua.  Their numbers were so numerous that they "covered the landscape like the sand on the seashore (11:4)".  Dozens of kings banded together!  To a person who does not have the help of the Lord on his side, that entire situation is 100% hopeless.  It not only looks hopeless, it is hopeless.  It is only with the help of the Lord that Joshua defeated all these enemies without any trouble at all.  All together, 31 kings each of the Jordan were defeated by Joshua (12:24).

I don't have much to say about this passage today, just that with God all things truly are possible.  I did notice that in verse 11:15, we are told that Joshua did everything he was told and very carefully obeyed all the commandments that the Lord had given to Moses.  So yes, with God all things are possible, but there is also an expectation that we will obey Him.  He is faithful to those who place their faith in Him and obey Him.  I think we are quick to call on the Lord for help getting ourselves out of the situations that we put ourselves into.  The Lord will not forsake us, and we have our true salvation by putting our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  That being said, when you are calling for help from the Lord, do a check and make sure that you are obeying both his commandments and his direction.  Joshua was successful in his conquest for three reasons:

(1) God directed path and Joshua followed

(2) Joshua had complete faith that the Lord would fulfill the promises made

(3) Joshua was careful to obey all the commandments the Lord gave to him

Too often we think about the love the Lord has for us and the saving grace, but we forget that we are also expected to obey Him.  If He is truly our Lord, then we should obey Him as we are his subjects and any loyal subjects would wholeheartedly obey their king as well as seek the king's direction in their lives.