Day 87 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Joshua 13–15
Note: The Bible reading for the next three days is a detailed account of Israel’s division of her land, an inheritance for each of her tribes. While information about their territorial borders was essential for the twelve tribes of Israel, many of the ancient border cities are mysteries today. It is, therefore, easier for us if we view the division of the land from the Bible map referenced in these Bible studies.
In C.S. Lewis's allegory, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan the Great Lion represents Jesus Christ. He is gentle and wise, but powerful and even dangerous. Aslan gives his life for one of the sons of Adam (meaning his descendants). Then he raises back to life to fight against the witch's evil powers (she symbolizes Satan). In the end, Aslan destroys her. The characters in his story must learn to trust in the wisdom of Aslan, to have faith in him.
How do we know someone is worthy of faith? We can be sure someone is dependable when his actions are consistent with his words. If that person makes a promise, he delivers.
God Keeps His Word
In our chronological Bible study, we are in the book of Joshua. Six-hundred years have passed since the LORD made a promise to Abraham that he will give his descendants the land of Canaan for an inheritance (Genesis 17:8).First, however, God blesses Abraham's seed (his descendants). As God promised, Abraham's family grew large. Out of fear and self-preservation, Egypt enslaved the Israelites for 400 years so Israel wouldn't conquer them. God saw their trouble, and he was concerned. When they finally cried out to him in their misery, God sent Moses to deliver them.
Through ten miraculous plagues, God showed himself to be the Almighty Sovereign LORD, greater than any of Egypt's “gods.” He tried to get the Egyptian Pharaoh's attention, but he spurned Moses and his god. No hope for Egypt remained. With the last plague, when God killed all her firstborn sons, he delivered Israel from bondage.
Then the LORD protected and provided for the Israelites in the desert, although their numbers swelled to over two million people. He led them to the southern edge of the land of Canaan, but they feared to enter it because of the giants in the land.
The LORD was angry. Because of the Israelites' doubt in God's almighty power to help them defeat their enemies, he exercised judgment; those twenty and over died in the desert.
Israel wandered around the desert for forty years until those twenty years old or more passed away. The LORD was merciful; however—he allowed Israel's children to enter the Promised Land.
After two overwhelming military victories against the Ammonites and the Moabites (or Midianites), God worked a miracle. He provided a dry passage across the Jordan River. Then, under the new leadership of Joshua, he helped their army to conquer thirty-one kingdoms. Through another incredible miracle, he lengthened the day so Joshua's forces would have time to pursue and defeat their enemies. Finally, Israel rested from war (Joshua 11:23b).
We can trust the LORD by reviewing what he has done and then acting in faith. Do we know God personally? Have we come to him for forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life? Israel's God can be our God.
The Israelite tribes conquered the land of Canaan, mostly, but there would be minor skirmishes over territory still needing to be won. The individual tribes could now do mop-up jobs to possess their inheritance. Personal faith and responsibility are essential.
God will help us fight our battles if we put our trust in him and take action!
Today’s Bible reading describes the borders of the two and one-half tribes east of the Jordan River and Judah’s borders in the west map).Israel is receiving her inheritance. God keeps his word to his chosen people.
Although most of us are not Israelites, we are also people of God, chosen to receive salvation and adoption into God's family. The Apostle Paul will later inform non-Jewish believers,
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, NIV).
As God was faithful to the Israelites, he will be faithful to us.
Motivated by Faith
Caleb is an excellent example of one motivated by faith. He and Joshua are from the first generation of Israelites delivered from Egypt. They're the only ones over twenty allowed to enter the Promised Land. Caleb was forty when he spied out Canaan. At that time, Caleb and Joshua were the only spies who expressed faith and confidence in God that the LORD would help them win, even against the giants in Canaan.
In today's Bible reading, Caleb speaks to Joshua to receive his piece of the inheritance. Here's his amazing testimony of God's faithfulness:
“So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out [forty-five years ago]; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there [giants nine feet tall like Goliath] and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”
So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. (Joshua 14:10b-14, NIV)
Caleb not only has courage, but he inspires it in others. He makes a promise:
… “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher” [Debir]. Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. (Joshua 15:16-17, NIV)
Othniel is later to become the first judge of Israel (Judges 3:7-11). Do we inspire others to have courage and act on their faith in God?
Focus Verse
2Chronicles 20:20c (NIV) “Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”
Discussion
How can we be motivated to trust in the LORD?
How has God been faithful to keep his promises to us?
How can we inspire others to have courage and faith in the LORD?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: God keeps his word and assures us of heaven, but like Israel, we need to claim our inheritance. What does this mean? Join us for our Next Lesson.
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