Joshua 17
Bible Passage: Joshua 17
In this chapter, the people of Joshua formed two tribes — the Ephraimites and Manassites.
They were complaining to Joshua about the constraints they were facing in the land allotted to them (Joshua 17:14).
Joshua, being a wise leader, retorted the people calling upon them to do something about their complaints.
“…Joshua said to them, “If you are a numerous people, go up by yourselves to the forest, and there clear ground for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.” – Joshua 17:15.
Moreover, Joshua saw their potentials as well as the strength of numbers in them.
“Then Joshua said to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, “You are a numerous people and have great power you shall not have one allotment only, but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders.”” – Joshua 17:17-18.
Most importantly, the Lord was with them all along (Joshua 17:14). They have inherited the land given by the Lord!
Reflecting upon this chapter, there may be times when we do not realise the great things we can do for the Lord. At times, we may think that some things are almost impossible or difficult for us to attain, such as reaching out and preaching to others, in the mission to grow or expand the house of God. In addition, there may also be discontentment regarding how much we can offer base on the talents that the Lord has given us. Thus, we may have complained about our shortcomings. But, what are we going to do about it?
This also reminded me of the verse in Philippians 4:13, whereby “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Of course, we all know that God is with us because we believe in Him and trust Him in our prayers.
Yet, when it comes to having the desire to do something good for the Lord, we sometimes struggle with the limitations we placed in ourselves.
For example, we may choose to call ourselves introverts, and then responding to that limitation all our lives.
Alternatively, we can do something to overcome our constraints, just as Joshua replied to the
people that “the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders”, including driving out their strong Canaanite opponent.
Likewise, all things are possible as long as we have the Lord’s assistance and blessings.
2 Comments
Camelinaneedle
I probably limit myself to a lot of things when it comes to Church work just because I know I can’t multitask. I have a very one-track mind unlike most girls.
I also have this growing fear of forgetfulness. It seems as if the older I get, the less things I can remember.
But what I’ve realised over the years is that time with God is always a time of peace. I have a lot of things to do at this point of time in my life, and my head is never at peace. But I experience very momentary silence amidst all the noise around me when I make it a point to put time aside for God, which I know I haven’t been really been doing lately.
My heart has somehow hardened. And I can’t seem to be able to cry anymore, both inside and out.
I guess I really need help to learn to be human. And more importantly, to be a worthy Christian, even though technically, no one really is worthy. But most times, I don’t like being helped. And that’s when I fall.
treasureinearthenvessel
I feel you, camelinaneedle. I also think that I limit myself quite a bit and feel my heart hardening. Having so many things on my plate does not help. I need help too, but am still trying to find help. Although I know that Jesus can definitely help lift us up, sometimes we also need that physical hand to give us a pull, don’t we?