Read Joshua 12 – 14
Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed. Joshua 13:1 KJV
Under Joshua’s leadership, the people of Israel had conquered the land of the Canaanites. However, they were still faced with two challenges: as in any war, pockets of resistance still remained, and Joshua was too old to lead Israel in further battles. In the verses which follow, God reveals His plan to meet these challenges: (1) He identifies the areas of resistance, (2) makes His power available to drive them out, (3) divides the land by lots, establishing the borders and (4) gives each tribe of Israel their inheritance. This meant God’s work would continue beyond Joshua, each tribe would know God’s will for them, and have God’s ability to accomplish it. Knowing God’s will and having His ability left Israel with the responsibility of taking possession of their inheritance. The question that remained was whether the people of Israel would act on God’s plan and finish the work.
Lord, I see many parallels in these instructions to the present time. You continue to identify the challenges, divide the responsibility, and make your power available. The question remains whether your people will act on what you have done to finish the work. Help me draw on your strength to complete the work you have left for me to do.
