The sons of Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan were given their inheritance by lot from Joshua and Eleazar in Joshua 19. I continue to find it interesting how all these tribes are laid out throughout the promised land. It is easy to just read these chapters and not see anything that stands out because I have no knowledge of the region or cities. In the midst of these verses describing the dividing of the land the sons of Simeon and Dan inheritances stood out. Continue Reading…
Archive - April, 2010
Stumbling blocks, careful you don’t fall: Joshua 19 and 20
Strong spiritual leadership a catalyst for success: Joshua 17 and 18
Dividing the inheritance of each tribe is continuing in Joshua chapters 17 and 18. It was easy for me to think that the division of land was a simple task that would be accomplished quickly and easily. I forgot that there were many thousands of people within each tribe that needed to move all their families, livestock, and belongings into the lands of their inheritance. That would be a major undertaking. What did people think then they moved to take their inheritance? As the tribes moved to the land they inherited was there a sense of loss as they left the camp around the Tabernacle? I would think that this time was bitter sweet because they were inheriting the promised land but everyone encamping around the Tabernacle was ending. Continue Reading…
Caleb’s foundation for success glimpsed in Joshua 15 and 16
Joshua chapters 15 and 16 detail the inheritance the sons of Judah and Joseph receive and there was little that initially stood out of great interest. After thinking about these chapters the details of Caleb’s work in the land he was given started to stand out. In Joshua 14 Caleb requested the land that God had promised him when he spied out the promised land. The land was inhabited by the Anakim who Caleb sought to drive from the land if the Lord choose to enable him. Continue Reading…
The better inheritance to desire found in Joshua 13 and 14
What type of inheritance do you desire? A few million dollars, some property, priceless works of art, or a collection of super cars would easily appear on my short list of things I wouldn’t object to inheriting. When I think of an inheritance it usually is inevitably linked to the death of someone, which makes it bitter sweet if you were close to them. What inheritance will your legacy produce? The things you set your heart on in this world create and build your legacy. If you build your legacy upon worldly wealth and renown instead of upon a foundation of faith in God what will your true legacy be? I challenge you to fix your eyes upon Jesus Christ and seek Him alone as your hope for a future legacy and the inheritance you leave to children and grandchildren. Continue Reading…
Pondering the Nephilim brings Hope for tomorrow: Joshua 11 and 12
I have had a few conversations with people recently where they claimed the Bible contradicted itself. The argument rests in the fact that God forbids murder but there is all the bloodshed that happens. I was reminded of the conversation I had because of all the bloodshed and killing in Joshua 11 and 12. Why did God allow these people to be killed? Is this a contradiction? How do we find the answers? As I have blogged my way through the Bible I have developed a greater understanding of the story. Let me share my thoughts with you. Continue Reading…
Following God in the face of deception: Joshua 9 and 10
What happens when we disobey God? What happens when we obey God? Why should we care? There is a story to be found about following and obeying God in Joshua chapters 9 and 10. In Joshua chapter 7 when the Israelites attacked Ai they were defeated by a substantially smaller force because they did not have God’s blessing and in fact God’s anger was kindled against Israel. The disobedience of Achan had made the Israelites unable to fight. Did pride filled their hearts as they thought the people of Ai to be an easy to defeat? In Joshua 9 and 10 the Israelites had moments where they could have again had the wrath of God turn upon them but in this moment the leaders choose to obey God instead of following their own way. Continue Reading…
In the midst of wonder temptation entangles: Joshua 7 and 8
Does a moment of great spiritual devotion, amazing christian fellowship, intense prayer, or dynamic worship exclude you from temptation allowing you to relax? I have at times in my life equated my spiritual relationship with God as tank of gas that I only fill up when the chime and light goes off to warn me that I am running low. It is easy to think that I can live life focusing on my own routine and needs until I am confronted with the feeling I need to be closer to God. Can you function in this way? Is this the kind of life that God wants a christian to live? Continue Reading…
Confidence and pride destroyed by God in Joshua 5 and 6
How did the Canaanites react to the entry of the Israelites into their land? In Joshua 3:16 it says that the waters of the Jordan stood and rose up in one heap. This event would not go unnoticed by the Canaanites because having the water rise up in a heap is not something that was normally seen. Joshua 5:1 says that, “all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the sons of Israel until they had crossed, that their hearts melted and there was not spirit in them any longer because of the sons of Israel.” Fear spread throughout the land because God had showed His might and power before the Israelites. Continue Reading…
Crossing the Jordan upon the promises of God: Joshua 3 and 4
Do you live in awe and wonder of the world around you? Today is a beautiful day with a bright blue sky with the sun shining. It is easy to just notice the how nice the day is but that is far from being filled with awe and wonder. The most awe inspiring thing that I have seen to date is Niagara Falls but that awe and wonder pales in comparison my awe and wonder of God. Do you have a proper sense of awe and wonder when you think of God? In a moment when you see God working in your life or the lives around you what emotions are evoked? Continue Reading…
Strength and courage of a promiscuous woman: Joshua 1 and 2
Moses has died and it is time for the Israelites to move to take possession of the promised land. Reading Joshua makes me excited because I am back to reading a narrative story about the people of Israel instead of the law which was detailed thoroughly in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. How will the people honor and follow God’s command to obey Him? Will Joshua be an effective leader and instill dependance upon God? I am looking forward to seeing how these questions and others are answered in Joshua. Continue Reading…
