This passage details the portions of the promised land that fell by lot to the people of Judah. Judah was a very large tribe, second only to the two tribes of Joseph combined. Accordingly, they are allotted a large number of towns and villages. God has multiplied them, so He gives them land in proportion with their numbers. - P60
We are often tempted to skim through long lists of cities in Scripture, but for the Israelites reading this, it was a list of God’s blessings and a testament to His fairness and generosity. - P60
Let us not be too quick to dismiss what we consider mundane. Let us take time to notice God’s blessings even in the less remarkable parts of life. - P60
The Israelites have begun taking possession of the promised land but muchland still remains to be conquered. The iconic city of Jerusalem remainsoccupied by the Jebusites. In fact, it will not be conquered until the time ofDavid. Until then, the people of Judah live in contention with the Jebusites.
- P60
When God gave us new life in Christ, He did not immediately do awaywith all our struggles with sin. Our victory has been guaranteed by Christ,
but we must still fight our sins, and some fights will be harder than others.
- P60
The good news is that God is on our side. He is with us in the fight and,
because victory is guaranteed, we can make every effort to resist the enemy. - P60
But all Scripture is God-breathed, even thenumbers and the long lists of names we struggle to pronounce. And theirinclusion reveals the fullness of God‘s character.
While these records may not mean much to us personally, they once meanteverything to someone. We all have names and lists that carry deep meaningto us, even if they mean nothing to others. - P61
Even if we don‘t know to whom the Bible‘slists were meaningful, or why, Scripture reminds us that God knows andHe is attentive to the things we care about. - P61
Dear Father, You are present in all of my life including the most unremarkable days. You guaranteed my victory over every sin and call me to fight daily. - P61
Help me persevere to resist sin, even when temptation pulls the hardest. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P61
|