Take Two: Joshua 13, Proverbs 5

The thirteenth chapter of Joshua is a detailed listing of how the land which Israel now possessed was to be apportioned. Now I did not read this and suddenly see a bright light from heaven with deep, previously hidden truths revealed. In fact, it reminded me of the genealogies a bit. However, a couple of things did stick out:

First, God was intimately aware of Israel's situation and the progress of the realization of promise. In Josh 13:1, God reminded Joshua that he was old and that there was still much to be done. I am not certain why Joshua needed to be reminded of his age...but it seemed good to the Lord. What I think is neat...is that God knows that part of what He entrusted to Joshua had not been acomplished and God still wanted it done.

In the same way, God knows exactly what He has entrusted to you and I as individuals, to our church as a Body...and to the church (universal) as a whole. He is intimately aware of the state of our progress. He is absolutely desirous that we finish the task set before us. While we may not have been given a mandate to conquer real estate and slay armies...we have been given a command to disposses the enemy (Josh 13:12) of his spiritual occupation in the hearts of men. We do this by communicating the gospel. Further, it is not enough to have partially completed the task (and reached our families, community, or nation.) The command was to finish the task until God's plan was finally realized on earth as it IS in Heaven.

Second, God knew which tribes were to possess what parts of the land. It would take many tribes to complete the task of occupying. While not a perfect analogy, I see that in some ways, this is true today. God uses many churches and many different styles/approaches to accomplish His plan. There is no "cookie-cutter" approach to bringing in the Kingdom. God has called each person and each community to do their part. This is the essence of acting "missionally" in the Kingdom.

Third, God provided for every tribe uniquely. Some received land in the hill country. Others in the desert/wilderness. Still others...received no land of their own...but were provided cities within the land of other tribes (Levites, Joshua:13:33). This may not seem equitable from our standpoint...but from God's it is exactly right. In the end though...God's standard is not only right (because He is God), but is most expedient and efficient (because He is smarter and more just than we are). We have to learn to "default" to the fact that God only operates in our "Best" interest...because our best interest is always consistent with God's perfect plan.

Proverbs 5:3-4 is the takeaway today. On the "back side" of the election, I am mindful that during the campaign many promises were made by both sides. Many people heard flattering words and lofty promises. What was needed in the campaign was fidelity (faithfulness) to core principles. To not be faithful to core principles...means we become easy prey for the words of those who are unfaithful. Honestly, I am not speaking in a partisan way. I cast my ballot based on social and moral issues that are clearly delineated in the Word of God (protection of the unborn, biblical marriage protection, etc). I did not vote based on economic policy (because I am a die-hard fiscal conservative...and I did not have any representation in the election.) Here is why I say this:

In my brief journey on this earth...I have come to embrace a philosophy of principle over expediency. This is not a position that is unique to me...I gained it from the Scripture in passages like this one. "Hold fast to the clear will of God...and do not be swayed by other alluring options....since they look good now, but in the end...they will destroy." (This is my own "applied" translation of the principle in Proverbs.)

As you consider this Proverb today...remember that God has called us to be faithful to keep His Word...and rely on Him for providing along the way. We set ourselves up for failure whenever we try to do God's business (providing for ourselves) for Him.

Grace,