Bible Pathway - Mar. 18, 2011
Read Joshua 14:1
Highlights:
Territories in the land of Canaan divided among the tribes. Caleb gets his mountain (Hebron) (Josh. 14:6-12). Note his age! As the tribes receive their inheritance, notice how precisely the boundaries are laid out.
We can see the guidance of God in the lives of Abraham, Moses, and Joshua, and in Israel's conquest of Canaan! The children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan. . . . as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe. For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and a half tribe on the other side Jordan (Josh. 14:1-3). For four hundred years God had been preparing the tribes of Israel for their respective inheritances. From the call of Abraham onward, numerous events show the Lord's preparation for the Israelites to occupy the promised land.
The two and one-half tribes wanted what in human judgment appeared to be best for them. However, only God knows what is best for our future. Nevertheless, each one of us is responsible for acting on the spiritual opportunities that God has provided. God chooses His servants and bestows His gifts to all who have the desire to serve Him. Every Christian can be a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matt. 24:14; see also 20:16; Phil. 2:13).
Accomplishing the will of God never comes by waiting for a convenient time but by beginning right now doing something and continuing to obey the voice of Him who alone knows what is best. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (John 4:35). If we are faithful to act on the opportunities God has provided, then like Job we can say: He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold (Job 23:10).
The land was to be apportioned to each of the twelve tribes as God directed. Just think! The plan of God is interwoven with the willing efforts of His people to fulfill His will.
As the believer yields himself to the Lord, there comes a growing understanding of the Lord's perfect will (Prov. 3:5-6; Rom. 12:2). Because Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, we know assuredly, the events in our lives are not left to chance. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). The plan of God is perfect. We can trust that He always gives us His best.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ . . . that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph. 1:3-4).
Thought for Today:
Oh Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me (Ps. 139:1).
Christ Portrayed:
By Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord (Josh. 14:8,14). Our Savior said: Lo, I come . . . to do Thy will, O God (Heb. 10:7,9).
Word Studies:
14:4 save except; suburbs pasture lands; 14:7 espy out take a search in; 14:8 wholly followed obeyed wholeheartedly; 14:9 sware promised under oath; 14:12 fenced fortified; 14:15 had rest enjoyed peace; 15:6 stone boundary marker; 15:10 compassed curved ; 15:19 nether lower; 16:1 fell rent; 16:3 goings out thereof are at borders reach; 16:10 under tribute is forced laborers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Howard Coble (NC) • Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you strength for today's need (Eph. 3:14-16).
Optional Reading: John 9:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:1
