Christ

Our Only and Secure Inheritance {Joshua 12-19}

10:30 PM



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

Becky Austin

Once and For All {Hebrews 10}

12:30 AM



Housework is a never ending thing.  Washing, drying, sweeping, tidying, vacuuming, mopping, folding, scrubbing, etc.  How wonderful it is to sit back and enjoy a clean house when all the work is done!  If only it would stay that way.  But, it doesn't.  The dust and grime is never completely gone and it accumulates quickly again and again. 

The sin of our hearts is much like that dirt and grime that must be dealt with endlessly.  The Law convicted us of sin and the sacrifices offered temporarily atoned for our sins but those sacrifices could not provide eternal , complete forgiveness.  The cleansing process had to be repeated over and over again. “But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (v3-4)

Fortunately, God had a better plan.  The sacrifice of his perfectly blameless Son provided a " once and for all" guaranteed eternal cleansing. “When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (v8-10)

With this one time perfectly accepted sacrifice a new covenant was established between God and his people.  “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.” ( v 16-18‬ ‭). Isn't it wonderful that we have been shown such mercy and we can know that no matter what we have done, we can have complete forgiveness from God. 

We are encouraged to confidently enter in to a very close, intimate relationship with God, our Father. “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” ( v 22)

We are granted complete, eternal forgiveness when we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior but we still have to live out our lives in a sinful, often very difficult world. We are encouraged to remain strong  in our faith and to encourage one another. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." ( v 23-25)

What a great challenge for us as we go through our day.  Look for ways  "to stir up one another to love and good works."  God loves us and He has so much prepared for us.  All He asks is that we trust Him and remain faithful. “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." (v35-36)

Be encouraged!  You are completely forgiven.  You are promised all the blessings of eternity.  You are greatly loved!