God speaks to an old Joshua about the land
remaining to be possessed (Jos 13:1). His time and his ministry as leader was
almost ending, and God gave him the final instructions regarding the remaining
land to be conquered and how it was to be divided as an inheritance among “the nine tribes and the
half-tribe of Manasseh.”
(13:7) Joshua was a faithful servant and even in an advanced age, God
still instructs him about a job that needs to be done. This makes me realize
how much have I, or have I not conquered as a Christian… and sadly I must confess
there is still so much to be done! No
matter how much we have served in our Christian lives, there still remains much
to do!!
Verses 13:8-32 describe
the portion of land divided among Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of
Manasseh. It was the land of king Sihon of the Amorites and king Og of
Bashan.
We find
something unique in verses 13:14 and 13:33:
“ 33 But
to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not give an inheritance; the Lord,
the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as He told them.”
Yes, the Levites had no land for an
inheritance, but instead had the sacrifices Israel brought to God. They
also received a greater inheritance than that: God Himself.
In this sense, Christians
are spiritually connected to the tribe of Levi, since we also are called
priests: 1
Peter 2:5(AMP)
5 You [believers],
like living stones, are [a]being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated
priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing
to God through Jesus Christ.
We also have a special
inheritance in God: Ephesians 1:11(AMP)
“11 In Him also we
have [a]received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own],
having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose
of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design
of His will,”
1 Peter 1:4 (AMP)
4 [born anew] into
an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled
and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,”
What undeserved privileges we attain as children of God!! (Col 3:24) And
yet many of us
are dissatisfied with our workplaces, our earthly possessions (finances), maybe
even with our Church ministry! We wish that God would have given us something
different, and we can even get bitter towards Him about this! We must remember
who we are in Christ (Ro 8:17) and see ourselves as priests, and understand
that our real inheritance is God Himself!!
Before I close, let me ask you: How much of Jesus do you have? Do you walk in the blessing of leading others
to Jesus Christ, our only and Secure Inheritance? How much of the Promises God
has given you, do you possess as yours?
There remains very much land yet to be possessed: while there is life,
there is still much to do! God wants us
to keep pressing on!
Blessings!
Mari