READ: Joshua 18-19; Psalm 130.
Verses chosen for meditation: Joshua 18:2-3.
2 There
remained among the people of Israel seven tribes whose inheritance had not
yet been apportioned. 3 So Joshua said to the people of
Israel, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the
land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has
given you?
REFLECT
Just a brief mention of
Shiloh, since this appears in verse 1 of this chapter. Having its meaning as “place
of peace”, Shiloh was also of significance because it was located at the centre
of the Promised Land. It was a convenient location for the tabernacle or Tent
of Meeting, a central place of worship and the place
to approach whenever Joshua and Eleazar sought the Lord. Here, it can remind the Israelites
that the key to blessings in the land was worshipping and serving the Lord.
While Joshua was
committed to divide the promised land to the tribes of Israel, verse 2 specifically mentioned that seven tribes did not
possess the land allotted to them. As much as Israelites whined about
the land of milk and honey, yet here are seven tribes who were sluggish in
possessing the land. The list of allocation and apportion
was said to be extremely important to the Israelites because it is the fulfilment
of God’s promises to Abraham (Gen 12:6-7), see below picture for the division
of the promised land.
As part of his rebuke to these seven tribes, Joshua reminded them that it
was the Lord who gave them that land. Their sluggishness was something serious;
it was considered as wilful sin and rebellion against God and a refusal
of God's provisions. They seem to be so programmed in the wilderness
that they would like to stay complacent and not change.
This was evidenced in previous chapter, Joshua 17:13; Israelites were
retaining the Canaanites to be living amongst them after conquering them. Joshua
then had to organise them for action, by sending 21 men to survey the land and with
their reports, he will cast lots in the presence of God and there distribute
the land according to the tribal divisions, vv. 3 -10.
RELATE
Interestingly, the then Bible teacher, David
Pawson interpreted “promised land” here that it does not mean heaven. It is a place of rest
from battles, cease from own works but to enjoy the new and victorious life which
Jesus had done for us. This was exactly what the Israelites were told to do,
and it is the same for us. Every “promised land” that they gained, they need to
stand on it and claim it as an inheritance. This demonstrates an attitude of obedience.
Question to ask: What are we doing about our new lives in Christ? Let
me first suggest by taking Jesus as our central of worship (the Author of
salvation), to take Him and all that He has given seriously. Bible commentary
writer, Bush puts it this way in parallel: When you
are born again, you are in the "land" (life), but there are still
many "canaanites" remaining (world, flesh and evil) that must daily be defeated in order for you to enter
into the abundant life (John 10:10).
Contentment and sluggishness have no place here.
Instead, the action should to “force out” the “canaanites”, (the old comfortable
and complacent living) from our lives. Our inheritance is more
than a restored relationship with God as His adopted sons (Romans 8:15-17). It is an act in faith to claim God’s promises, to
work out our own salvation towards an abundant and godly lives.
REST
Lord, teach me how to live by the Spirit but no longer by the flesh,
as Paul has urged Galatian believers, Gal 5:13-26. Teach me to repent from my ungodly
habits and desires. Instead help me to desire more of You, to break free from
sins, now than I am a new person in-Christ.
Vincent
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