Read Joshua 19:49-51 – When they had made an end of dividing the land as an inheritance according to their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun. According to the word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked for, Timnath Serah in the mountains of Ephraim; and he built the city and dwelt in it. These were the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided as an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So they made an end of dividing the country. (NKJV)
The chapters describing the division of land among the tribes of Israel may not be exciting stuff, but two important points can be observed. First, the Israelites trusted God to guide them in these important matters. Some may see the casting of lots as an exercise of mere chance, but their practice actually eliminated any dependence on their own judgment as they trusted God to guide their process. The second valuable lesson comes in their provision for the leaders who had guided them. Joshua faithfully led them in their conquests, and they reward him with the city he had desired. Likewise, Shiloh became the special place prepared for Eleazar and the other priests. Their trust in God was clear as they looked to Him for their land of promise and honored those whom God had used to lead them. Do we trust God for the practical and logistical moments of our lives? How can others see that trust in action? The Israelites trusted God and their actions proved their desire for His direction. Do yours?
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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