Joshua 14

Bible Passage:  Joshua 14

A quick quiz before we begin:)

Question 1: In our Bible reading plan, what is the theme for the book of Joshua?

Hopefully, we still remember it’s about the family of the chosen race.

Question 2: What characteristics should this family have?

In today’s chapter, we observe the behaviour of the family of the physical chosen race as a whole as well as zoom in on one particular member of this family to identify some of the characteristics the family of the chosen race should have.

As we identify these characteristics, let us, being the family of the spiritual chosen race, reflect upon ourselves to see if we have these characteristics, both as a family and as individual members of this family.

Orderly

These are the areas which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel distributed as an inheritance to them. (Joshua 14:1)

From the description of the division of the land, it is obvious that it was done in a very orderly, systematic manner. There was land to be distributed, the leaders who distributed them and the people who received the land.

In our spiritual family, the church today, things should be carried out in a similar manner. There is work to be done, there are leaders who distribute this work and there are members who carry out the work. This is so that conflict or overlapping of people and resources are reduced to a minimum and everyone can take care of their ‘land’ properly.

Therefore, like God, who is orderly, the family of the chosen race should also be orderly and methodical. In the work we do, in our dealings with one another, let us, like Paul exhorted, do them all decently and in order (1 Cor 14:40).

Obedient

As the LORD had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did; and they divided the land. (Joshua 14:5)

What is the basis for this order then?

It should be none other than the Word of God.

For this reason, when we submit to the order in church, when we obey our elders and leaders, it is because we love God and believe this order and these leaders are established and chosen according to His Word. We must believe that God will do His part and bring about what He promised just like He led the Israelites to the Promised Land and helped them take this land.

On our part however, we must obey and do what He tells us to do so that we be in the company of those who enter the Promised Land instead of those who perished in the wilderness.

Enduring

And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. (Joshua 14:10-11)

Besides being orderly and obedient, the members of this very special family must also have great endurance. Prime examples of such members include Moses as well as Caleb, whom we read of in this chapter.

In our spiritual meeting that was held not too long ago, we received a whole series of exhortations on maintaining a lifelong faith.

Let us strive to put these teachings into practice so that like Moses, we can work for the Lord till the day we die. Let our eyes not be dim nor our natural vigour diminished on the day we leave this world. Let us also be like Caleb and still go to war for the LORD when we are eighty-five, saying, ‘Just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war’.

Have a blessed Sabbath everyone!