Read Joshua 14:1-5
C. Division of Canaan (14:1-19:51). 1. Introduction (14:1-5). This unit of scripture (i.e., pericope) talks about how the land on the west side of the Jordan River is to be divided. There is a reminder that two and half tribes were given their land on the east side.
And there is a reminder that the Levites were to receive towns and pasture land, not land like the rest of the tribes.
- Our inheritance. Notice in vs. 1 that the land in question is considered an inheritance for God’s people. In like manner, all that we have is an inheritance.
God has given us what we have, including the ability and mind to work for it. If God ever takes His stuff back, we would have nothing.
Let’s treat what we have as an inheritance. This includes being a wise steward of our health, wealth, relationships, contribution to community, and our positive mental attitude.
- Following leadership. Notice in vs. 1 that God used human leaders. The people did not just go and take what they believed God wanted them to have. They trusted God to move through the leaders of the day.
In like manner, we should appreciate that God sends leaders to lead, and we are to follow. We should not allow rumors and a few bad experiences to override God’s plans for our lives.
Let’s work on following the leadership that God has provided, so we can experience the blessings of God.
- Building on past accomplishments. Notice in vs. 2 that there was a building upon what Moses had did. There are too many occasions where one leader or generation seems to try to erase what the previous leader or generation has accomplished, instead of simply building on it.
Let’s work on building on past accomplishments. This application calls for understanding what has taken place and trying to build on it, in a way that brings glory to God.
Obviously, if the previous leader or generation has been doing that which is sinful, we are not called to keep on sinning. But even if they were sinful, we have to give them some credit for being the link in the chain that connects us to the past and positions us for the future.
- Blessings for our children. Notice how in vs. 4 Joseph was blessed and both of his children were blessed (see Gen. 48:5). In like manner, God can do more than we often give Him credit for.
However, He often blesses us after we have been faithful. Let’s work on being faithful for both our own sakes and the sake of our children. We should strive to live so that our children can live a blessed life as well.
Included in this application are the issues of teaching, training, loving, disciplining, modeling, and exposing our children to God’s will.
- Staff compensation. Notice in vs. 5 that God has a plan for taking care of what we would call the clergy. On one hand, the Pastor and staff should not be getting huge salaries from the church, while the church is struggling along.
But on the other hand, the Pastor and staff should not be struggling along while the church is experiencing financially strong times.
In the book of Joshua, the more that was given to God, the more was given to the Levites. Percentages help us keep things in perspective. Let’s work on being kind and fair with our Pastoral and staff compensation.
Read Joshua 14:6-15
2. Inheritance of Judah (14:6-14:63). Caleb comes to Joshua with the men of Judah. Caleb reminds Joshua of the land promised to him under Moses leadership. Joshua blessed Caleb and gives him the land in question.
- Sons and daughters. Notice in vs. 6 that Caleb is referred to as the son of Jephunneh. In like manner, we are all sons or daughters of someone. Thus, we are an extension of our heritage.
We should feel some pressure to live in a way that continues the noble or good things about our parents and fore parents.
And when our biological parents and earthly heritages are not impressive, we should remember that as believers, we are children of God. Let’s live like we are sons and daughters of God.
- Life from a theological perspective. Notice in vss. 6-9 that Caleb talked about history from a theological perspective. Caleb understood that things have not simply happened and God was a passive observer.
He realized that God was active in history and was working things out for the good of His people. In like manner, we should work on seeing history, today, and our future from a theological perspective.
We should develop enough faith to see that God is working things out for the good of His people and the best things for us, His people, to do is to trust and obey His will. Let’s work on seeing life from a theological perspective.
Conclusion: Let’s work on obeying God’s will. God has much for those who obey His will.Please click here to let us know, if this has been quality and helpful information for you (i.e., make sure you let us know the name of the article). Feel free to share your questions and comments about the article as well.