January 11 – Joshua 13:1-7

January 11 – Joshua 13:1-7

1 Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.  2  This is the land that yet remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all those of the Geshurites  3  (from the Shihor, which is east of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron, it is counted as Canaanite; there are five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza,

Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), and those of the Avvim,  4  in the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the boundary of the Amorites,  5  and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath,  6  all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, even all the Sidonians. I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an

inheritance, as I have commanded you.  7  Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.”

 

In these scriptures we see Joshua is advanced in years, perhaps around 100 years old.   Yet God is not finished with him.  God tells Joshua to divide all the land west of the Jordan among 9.5 tribes.

 

What a wonderful reminder to us that our work is not finished in serving God regardless of our age.  God is anxious for us to experience a victorious Christian life.  How are you serving God and experiencing a life rich in God’s blessings?  Surprise and shock your pastor by asking what you can do to serve God in your church.  Look for opportunities to serve God outside your church as well.

 

Heavenly Father, when I read these verses it hits me that my work can just begin with me, but carry on past the end of my life.  Moses began something that not only went past the end of his life, but also past the end of Joshua’s life.  What a legacy for the children of Israel.  When I think about it, my children and grandchildren are my legacy as well as those I reach for You.  Thank You for the opportunities to reach lost people for You or those who know You, but maybe have wandered away, the chance to reunite with You.  It is such an honor to be able to be part of Your kingdom and helping grow it in numbers and in vision.

 

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!