Joshua 19 - Land of Promise

Chapters 14 - 19 are difficult to read for us. The distribution of land and establishment of borders just seem like endless names to us who are not familiar with the land. I had to take out some Bible maps just to get a sense of where the boundaries were. But for the people of Israel this distribution was great celebration. They had never known a place of their own and now by God's power they were settling into that land of promise. The land that Abraham and Isaac had once called home was now theirs to inhabit. 

There is something so satisfying about having a place of your own to call home. No more would they travel about in tents, but they could now build permanent houses and farm the land. They could establish businesses and trade. They finally had a place of rest. They would pass their portion down to their children and they would continue this legacy that God established in his promise to Abraham. 

There would be future events that would take place in this promised land. Some hard; like the destruction of the temple and the occupation of Assyria and Babylon. There would also be some monumentous occasions like the birth of our Lord Jesus and His glorious resurrection. The first Christian church would meet here and the Jewish people would forever see this land as their true home. 

The Israelites were smack dab in the middle of their story. So much had transpired, but so much was yet to come. We too look forward to our inheritance as saints of God. Our home is not here. We like the Isrealites for so many years wander about in a foreign land where we really don't fit. We look forward to the time when our Lord returns and gives to us our inheritance. 

Our story, God's story, is in the middle of being told. So much has transpired, yet there is so much yet to come. I am sure that the Israelites had lost hope wandering in the wilderness and waiting for something that seemed so remote, so unattainable. We too wait in our own desert of God's making. Looking forward to the return of our Lord to take us to be with Him, but in the meantime we are being molded and shaped into the bride of Christ showing His character and His beauty. We are getting ready for that inheritance though it seems we have been waiting all our lives. Our promised land will one day fill us with gladness and joy but we can anticipate it now as we look forward to the greates celebration man has ever known. That is when we will receive the good and lasting inheritance being stored up for us as we serve the Lord here in waiting. 

Be faithful in service and look upward as you anticipate your rich reward. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.