March 25, 2006 - Joshua 19-21 and Luke 2:25-52
This passage from the book of Joshua concludes the division of the land. It includes several more spiritual principles for us to consider. What did God say to you this morning? Remember, the Word of God is always about application. When we read, we must always listen for the Spirit to speak to us about how it applies to our lives today. If we will do that, He will be faithful to teach us and to lead us all the way.
Chapter 19 gives the description of the inheritance for the rest of the tribes, except for the tribe of Levi. What did you think about Judah having too much for them, so Simeon received some of their land? Judah was the largest tribe, but they had taken too much even for them. They had more than they needed, so they gave some to Simeon. How often do we think we need more, and we don't really need that much? I think it happens quite often. We need to be realistic in what we need. Then, when we are blessed with more than we need, we should share it with others. Then, God can bless us even more. God's Word is full of commands to give and to share with those who have needs. Then, the tribe of Dan did what the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh failed to do. They fought hard and conquered more land. They did not take the easy way. We might have expected the family of Joseph to be the high achievers, but it was not them. It was Dan. Isn't that how life works? Many times we see an improbable person achieve success from hard work, when a a person much more favored fails because he took the easy way. Let's give it our all and see what God does for us like Dan did.
Chapter 20 tells about the 3 more cities of Refuge that were needed west of the Jordan river. God did not want innocent blood shed in the land, but He also did not want them to be so zealous to take vengeance after an accidental death that they killed an innocent person either. This shows God fairness and His desire for full justice in every case.
Chapter 21 tells us the inheritance of the tribe of Levi. Did you notice that they were spread out among all of the tribes? I think this was to remind the tribes about the importance of worship. Also, they were given the cities of Refuge, so they could be a part of the trials for those who had killed someone. They were to help find God's wisdom in these cases. Finally, we see the fulfillment of God's promise. The land was conquered. The people were given rest from war. The enemies were defeated. God had done His part. Now it was up to them to faithfully follow God each day and live out His will for their lives. How about you? Have you come to the place of resting in the Lord? That is what He wants for you. Have your enemies been defeated? If not, let Him give you the strength. Without Him you will never find rest for your weary soul against the enemies of this world.
Luke 2 is a wonderful passage on the promises of God. Simeon was told that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. God kept His promise. There was Anna in the Temple for years, and she got to see Jesus, too. God is so good! Then, Jesus went to the Temple each year from His birth to attend Passover celebration. During the visit when He was 12 years old, something different happened. He stayed in the Temple when the others left. Was He a disobedient Son? No, He was being obedient to His Father, and His earthly parents should have expected this. However, they had fallen into the routine of life. Jesus was not into routine. He was into God's will for Him. He was ready to fulfill His mission, even at the age of 12. What about you? Are you like Simeon, Anna, or Jesus? Are you willing to go the long haul with the Lord to see His kingdom come and His will be done on this earth? I hope so.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 22-24 and Luke 3.
Chapter 19 gives the description of the inheritance for the rest of the tribes, except for the tribe of Levi. What did you think about Judah having too much for them, so Simeon received some of their land? Judah was the largest tribe, but they had taken too much even for them. They had more than they needed, so they gave some to Simeon. How often do we think we need more, and we don't really need that much? I think it happens quite often. We need to be realistic in what we need. Then, when we are blessed with more than we need, we should share it with others. Then, God can bless us even more. God's Word is full of commands to give and to share with those who have needs. Then, the tribe of Dan did what the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh failed to do. They fought hard and conquered more land. They did not take the easy way. We might have expected the family of Joseph to be the high achievers, but it was not them. It was Dan. Isn't that how life works? Many times we see an improbable person achieve success from hard work, when a a person much more favored fails because he took the easy way. Let's give it our all and see what God does for us like Dan did.
Chapter 20 tells about the 3 more cities of Refuge that were needed west of the Jordan river. God did not want innocent blood shed in the land, but He also did not want them to be so zealous to take vengeance after an accidental death that they killed an innocent person either. This shows God fairness and His desire for full justice in every case.
Chapter 21 tells us the inheritance of the tribe of Levi. Did you notice that they were spread out among all of the tribes? I think this was to remind the tribes about the importance of worship. Also, they were given the cities of Refuge, so they could be a part of the trials for those who had killed someone. They were to help find God's wisdom in these cases. Finally, we see the fulfillment of God's promise. The land was conquered. The people were given rest from war. The enemies were defeated. God had done His part. Now it was up to them to faithfully follow God each day and live out His will for their lives. How about you? Have you come to the place of resting in the Lord? That is what He wants for you. Have your enemies been defeated? If not, let Him give you the strength. Without Him you will never find rest for your weary soul against the enemies of this world.
Luke 2 is a wonderful passage on the promises of God. Simeon was told that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. God kept His promise. There was Anna in the Temple for years, and she got to see Jesus, too. God is so good! Then, Jesus went to the Temple each year from His birth to attend Passover celebration. During the visit when He was 12 years old, something different happened. He stayed in the Temple when the others left. Was He a disobedient Son? No, He was being obedient to His Father, and His earthly parents should have expected this. However, they had fallen into the routine of life. Jesus was not into routine. He was into God's will for Him. He was ready to fulfill His mission, even at the age of 12. What about you? Are you like Simeon, Anna, or Jesus? Are you willing to go the long haul with the Lord to see His kingdom come and His will be done on this earth? I hope so.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 22-24 and Luke 3.