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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Joshua described the land of Canaan as a gift that you had given to Israel, yet your gift involved hard work, sacrifice and war. This shows me that you are a God who gives me what I truly need, not simply what I want. I worship you today as the character-building God, the God who loves me too much to leave me as I am. You call me to share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Tim 2:3) and to grow in perseverance and godliness (2 Pet 1:5–10). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the division of Canaan among the seven remaining tribes at Shiloh. Shiloh was in Ephraimite territory, about 20 miles northwest of Gilgal, and you had chosen it as the place to put your name and dwelling (cf. Deut 12:5). Shiloh was located in the center of Canaan. It was a convenient location where the Tabernacle would remind the people that the key to prosperity and blessing was worshiping and serving you. The entire congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh, and Joshua rebuked the seven tribes who had not taken steps to possess their territory: “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” (Josh 18:3). Each passing day was a day lost in obeying your command, a day their enemies could use to strengthen their defenses. Their delay was probably due to several reasons: (1) They were tired from the years they had just spent defeating the Canaanites; (2) They were used to following Joshua and reluctant to take the initiative; (3) They realized that possessing the land meant separating from the group and fighting on their own, and (4) They felt there was plenty of time to obey you—a little delay wouldn’t hurt. This teaches me the importance of not growing weary in doing good, “for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9). It also shows me that character cannot be fully developed in a group setting. Each individual must stand on their own and prove that they will obey you in spite of hardship and adversity. Reflection Joshua’s rebuke of the seven tribes is convicting. Do I find myself giving excuses about why I can’t obey or justifying my reluctance to carry out your commands? Request Father, help me overcome my tendency to be lazy. Remind me that small indulgences add up over time, and eventually they bring poverty, shame and ruin (Prov 24:30–34). Thanksgiving Thank you for demanding more from me than I’m able to achieve on my own. I’m grateful that you have called me to do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Go, Labor On” by Horatius Bonar. Meditation Verse: Joshua 19:50. |