Much Remains
Joshua 13-15
In Chapter 13 we read that Joshua has accomplished much regarding the taking of the Promised Land but he is getting older now and there is much more left to be done. In this and the following chapters, we read of how the land was divided. Some of the tribes had already received their portion but the land on the west side of the Jordan was yet to be assigned and taken. God gives the boundaries of the land and then each tribe receives their portion by lot. “The lot is cast into the lap, but every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33 NIV
I have heard the story of the man who dies and goes to Heaven and Saint Peter greets him at the pearly gates and takes him to a warehouse full all kinds of things that any man would want. The man asks Peter what all these things are and Peter tells him that those are the things that God wanted to give him but the man failed to ask God for them so he missed out. I guess that is a nice story with perhaps a little truth but when I have heard it told usually the focus is on worldly possessions like a better house or bigger car etc.
God brought the people into the Promised Land for a specific purpose. That purpose was to show the world that He was God. God called Israel to bring the knowledge of God and the Law to the world. God used Israel to bring judgment on the people of the land because of their depravity and sin. God used Israel as an exhibit of His grace, mercy, and blessing but also His justice as we will see when God allows Assyria and Babylon to take the land and dispurse the people throughout the known world because of their depravity and sin.
I believe the events recorded in the Old Testament are word pictures of the spiritual principles given to us in the New Testament. I believe God has a plan and good things in store for us but not necessarily more worldly things. I do know that God has something for each of us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) I also believe He has spiritual gifts for each of us so that we might accomplish the task God has for us.
I believe what we need to take away from our study today and tomorrow is that God is in charge and has a plan. His plan fits each of us individually and may be different for each person but God is the same. By sending us the Holy Spirit we are able to accomplish what God has in store for us specifically to do.
So! If you are struggling reading through the list of boundaries and cities I want to suggest you read about what God has in store for you in the here and now. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us about the spiritual gifts. Chapter 13 teaches us how God desires them to be administered. Chapter 14 shows us what our attitude should be regarding the gifts and how we are to administer them. Romans Chapter 12 also has more information on the spiritual gifts. John 13-16 teaches us regarding our attitude in ministry and about the Holy Spirit who not only administers the spiritual gifts to us but gives us the power to do them.
So! This is our warehouse! The Holy Spirit was given in Acts 2 so all we need to do is to ask! Well not exactly. A commitment to God and a right attitude are needed as well, but we will talk about them in another study.
Seriously, ask God to show you His plan for you and the spiritual gifts He has already given you.
Pastor Dave