Joshua 13

 “The Greater Inheritance”

“But to the tribe of Levi Moses had given no inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He had said to them.” (v.33)

As we read through chapter 13 and the description of the land Moses had allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we're twice reminded of what Moses didn't assign, land to the tribe of Levi.  

The Levites did receive the right to portions of the burnt offerings from the other tribes given to God (v.14). This practice reminded the Levites (and the rest of Israel) that God provided for their sustenance. Then in Verse 33 it states, “the Lord Himself is the inheritance of Levi” - far better than the material, which is fleeting at best. The Levites now had an enduring, intimate connection to God that could not be invaded or stolen which is greatest inheritance of all!

The Levites weren't missing out on an added bonus—knowing God is a reward in itself. If your focus has shifted to stuff, turn your attention to the blessings of your inheritance in Christ Jesus.

The Truth

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Joshua 12

“Defeated Kings”

Chapter 12 is a review of all the kings and kingdoms defeated under the leadership of both Moses and Joshua. Later, in chapter 13:7 it will become clear what makes this military conquest different than any other, for Israel wasn't just taking the land, they were inheriting it!  

Scripture tells us that the land Joshua and Israel occupied was the result of a promise from God to Abraham, the father of the entire nation of Israel. His descendants inherited, not by force but by faith, a peaceful existence in perhaps the most desirable land on the face of the earth. God had set apart the land and prepared it for Israel. All Joshua had to do was help the nation claim it.

Likewise, the battle for our spiritual inheritance has already been fought and won by Jesus Christ. The question we must ask ourselves is, have we claimed it?  As Jon Courson states, “We don’t fight for victory, but from victory.”

The Truth

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Joshua 11

“The Battle Against The Northern Region”

“So they went out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel.”

Here a massive army gathered in the valley of Megiddo to come against Joshua. The historian Josephus tells us this coalition numbered 300,000 infantrymen, 10,000 cavalrymen, and 20,00 chariots - being like tanks in those days, a formidable arm to say the least. Israel again is outnumbered and seemingly no match for its enemy. Sound familiar?

This event pictures the prophecies of Revelation, when a massive army will one day come against Jesus Christ and His reign here on earth in the “Battle of Armageddon” (Rev.16:16). And, like the five kings of the north (with their overwhelming numbers) who came against Joshua and were utterly destroyed (v.18), so too shall this future army who comes against Jesus be totally destroyed (Rev.19:19-21).

We too can have victory against overwhelming odds in our lives as well. Remember, He who is in us is greater that he who is in this world. God Bless you all.

The Truth

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Joshua 10

 “Do Not Fear Them”

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand; not a man of them shall stand before you.” (v.8)

The most dangerous kind of soldier is one who does not fear death - one who believes he is invincible, is fighting for the greater good and has a distinct advantage. Here the LORD assures Joshua that He has already delivered the enemy into his hands and that not a man will stand before him. All Joshua needs to do is believe and take action.

So it is with us when stepping into any area God has called us on His behalf. Being human we tend to say to ourselves, “I can’t do this or I’m not the right person for the job.” When in reality, we are afraid, afraid of failure. The truth is, where God guides, God provides and He will give us the boldness to believe and take the necessary action.

If we are in His perfect will, like Joshua, no one will stand before us.

The Truth

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Joshua 9

 “The Gibeonites Ruse”

“They asked not counsel at the mouth at the Lord.” (v.14)

Joshua had just won two astounding victories, destroying both Jericho and Ai through the power of the Lord. The Gibeonites knew they would be next, so in fear they resorted to trickery to save their lives. They put on old clothes, took moldy bread with them, and made their way to the camp of Israel.

Joshua and the elders were completely taken in by the ruse. Without consulting the Lord, they entered into a covenant with the enemies of Israel whom God had told them to destroy.

The agreement Israel made with the Gibeonites exposed Israel to a long-term relationship with people who had done deplorable acts for other gods—without any true repentance. Such deception from wolves in sheep's clothing still endangers us today. But, wisdom from above will help us decide who to trust.

The Truth

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)