Joshua 18 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“The entire Israelite community assembled at Shiloh where it set up the tent of meeting there; the land had been subdued by them. Seven tribes among the Israelites were left who had not divided up their inheritance. So Joshua said Israelites, ‘How long will you delay going out to take possession of the land that the L_rd, the G_d of your fathers gave you?’” Joshua 18: 1-3

Let’s pause for a moment, and consider of all that has happened to Israel in such a short amount of time. Under Moses’ leadership, they defeated major kingdoms east of the Jordan. Moses passed away and Joshua led Israel across the Jordan, where they defeated all the major kingdoms inside Canaan. Then, Israel began to spread-out across the land as individual tribes.

After all the L_rd had done in their midst, seven tribes had still not taken possession of their allotted land. Joshua decided to call a meeting of all Israel at Shiloh, a land where the enemy had been completely driven-out. The tent of meeting was set up there. It was the perfect setting in which to encourage the remaining seven tribes. It communicated: 1) G_d destroyed the inhabitants of this land when we took courage and fought…and He’ll do the same for you. 2) The direction you receive today is from G_d, Himself…straight from His tent of meeting.

Joshua’s message was, in effect, “G_d has led you this far; why not finish well?”

It is almost the same scenario we find in the B’rit HaDashah (New Testament) book of The Revelation, chapters 2-3. There are seven churches, all of which started well, yet every one lacks something that keeps them from receiving the fullness of their blessing. Seven tribes & seven churches…each of which experienced the L_rd’s deliverance, yet struggled with the urge to “settle” for less.

This is a message we can all identify with. Today, let’s remember all that the L_rd has done for us. Now, consider where you’ve “settled” for less than G_d desires for you. Your “enemy” may seem too strong to overcome, or so weak they’re hardly worth your time. Nevertheless, the L_rd has commanded us to completely destroy them!

In the words of Joshua, “How long will you delay in going-out to take possession of all the L_rd has promised?

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins
Daily Devotional, Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014