DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- CLAIMING GOD'S PROMISES

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – CLAIMING GOD'S PROMISES

"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?"  (Joshua 18:1-3)

Israel had entered the promised land and in these chapters of the Book of  Joshua, the land was being divided between the twelve tribes of the sons Jacob.  Actually, there were thirteen because the two sons of Joseph each received a share of the land.  However, the sons of Levi only received cities and some farm land, but did not receive any territory because they were dedicated to the tabernacle and to worship.

Apparently, the nation had slacked off on their job of conquering the land from the pagan inhabitants.  Perhaps some thought that the job was done when they set up the tabernacle at Shiloh.  But Joshua prodded them.  "How long will you neglect possessing the land?"  There was still a job to be completed and sitting back on their laurels of the victories they had achieved was not acceptable.

God has given us great and exceeding great and precious promises (II Peter 1:4).  It is easy to remember the victories God has given us in the past and rest on our laurels when there are still more  promises of God for us to claim. We get satisfied in our salvation, which is indeed great, when there is still much land to be claimed for Him.

What victories might God have in store for us if we don't get so satisfied that we neglect the opportunities God has placed before us.  

Love,  Dad