Faithful

In today’s daily reading, Joshua 13-21, we see mostly the allotments for the 12 tribes of Israel. Which is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham going all the way back to Genesis. Going tribe by tribe Joshua lays out all the land that is divided and given as an inheritance to the 12 tribes. These chapters on the surface just seem like 9 chapters of what tribe inherits what cities and a lot of words that are hard to pronounce but we have to remember that these details hold a powerful reminder: God keeps his promises. The promise that he spoke to Abraham in the very first book of the bible, and then again to his son Isaac, and then to Isaac’s son Jacob – roughly about 12 generations earlier - is finally getting fulfilled. 

So, what does that have to do with us today? When I read these chapters, it reminds me to trust in God. If he was faithful to fulfill his promises to Israel across centuries, we can rely on him to fulfill his promises in our lives too. The allocation of the land also reminds us that God’s blessings come with responsibility. God has given the Israelites the land he promised them but it’s their responsibility to develop it, protect it and steward it. No, God did not give us land like he did the Israelites but he did give gifts, opportunities, relationships, callings, etc. Our “inheritance” may look different than the Israelites but it still requires faithful stewardship. Whatever it is that God has given you, we are called to manage these blessings wisely and with gratitude and understanding that everything we have comes from God.   

The last two chapters of today’s reading establishes cities of refuge and towns for the Levites. The cities of refuge were established “so anyone who kills a person accidentally and unintentionally may flee there and find protections from the avenger of blood” (Joshua 20:3). The towns for the Levites were scattered throughout the land of Israel but why? We have to remember that God told Moses that the Levites will have no share or inheritance among their fellow Israelites because the Lord is their inheritance and in Numbers the Lord tells Moses to appoint the Levites as priests. As priests they were appointed to serve and help the people in those cities so they needed multiply locations and not just one. Overall, these chapters show God’s concern for justice and mercy.

As you read today’s chapters, I want you to reflect on your own life. Where has God given you an “inheritance” or responsibility and how are you stewarding it? In what ways have you seen God’s protection, justice, and provision? I think that as you read these chapters it’s important to recognize those moments. God was working back then and he’s working now but it can be very easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention.