THE STORY OF JESUS: Joshua 17-19
“Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the Lord, and distributed the land to the Israelites.” (Joshua 18:10)
This is not an inspiring selection from scripture today.
But within the land division details we see the people waiting on the Lord.
They are trusting God to keep His promise to give them land – a place to call home.
Sin has made us homeless, restless wanderers cast out of Eden.
God promises to Abraham to restore us, the nations, and the blessing of creation (Genesis 12:1-3)
The lots were an ancient form of dice, a way to let God decide the outcome.
They were not counting on ‘chance’, they were trusting in the providence of God.
We are in a similar position; though we may have houses, we are not at home in the world.
The enemies of sin and suffering still poison the world, still hinder God’s blessing.
But by faith we wait as heirs for God’s kingdom to come, for us to finally be home.
Until then we entrust ourselves to the providence of God, and to His promise.
We praise, we pray, we ask, we forgive, we repent… because we are counting on Him.
Many people think we are foolish for hanging on to God, but what have we got to lose?
Yes, maybe its a gamble to others, but for me its the safest bet of all!
I will cast my lot with God, rather than entrust myself to hopelessness and despair.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, what have I got to lose? What have I got to gain? I choose to invest myself in You and Your goodness!