"Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there. And the land was subdued before them. But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance. Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you? (vv.1-3)
Why would these seven tribes not want to possess their land? Probably because these are people who had not lived in permanent dwellings for more than a generation, and they were afraid of something new, even if it was good. Whatever the exact reason, the bottom line was neglect. They did not fulfill what God had called them to do.
Therefore Joshua both reproofs the slackness of the seven remaining tribes who have not taken possession of their lands and, tells them how to proceed (v.4). Like any good leader, Joshua made sure that those under his guidance got the push they needed to step out on their own.
Like many in the church today, there are those who are ready to claim their own ministries but have grown comfortably attached to the security provided by the church. But, just like the seven tribes, there will come a time when both leadership and God’s Spirit will push those He has chosen into claiming their land. And in so doing, another church will be planted.
Just as Joshua did his part and the seven tribes eventually did theirs, so we need to do our part as well. Claim your land.
The Truth: “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (1 Corinthians 1:20)
