But, I stopped when I came to the first part of Chapter 18.
"Now the land was under Israelite control, the community gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tabernacle. But there remained seven tribes who had not yet been allotted their grants of land. Then Joshua asked, 'How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land?'" Joshua 18:1-3.
I reread.
The seven tribes were at Shiloh setting up the tabernacle, waiting for their land allotment. But then, why does Joshua chastise them, saying "C'mon, people, why aren't you doing what you're supposed to be doing?"
I thought they WERE doing what they were supposed to be doing? Helping to build the church, waiting on the leaders, on God, to tell them where to go and what to do.
Took me rereading it a few times to see why Joshua was being hard on them.
Because, they already knew what they were supposed to do and weren't doing it. They were supposed to be conquering the rest of the land. The Canaanites had been driven out in most places, and too scattered to be much of a threat, but these seven tribes were hanging around the tabernacle.
Because it was comfortable there.
To go possess the land, they'd have to fight the enemy, they'd have to rebuild towns and set up new business infrastructures. It was going to be work. Long, hard work.
Yes, worship is key to growing in our relationship with God, and, yes, we should be helping out on church clean-up days. But, they were doing those things instead of what God told them to do.
My Bible commentary writes, "Often we delay doing jobs that seem large, difficult, boring or disagreeable. Jobs we don't enjoy require concentration and twice as much time...But to continue putting them off shows lack of discipline, poor stewardship of time and, in some cases, disobedience to God."
Ouch!!
I can't help but look at my own life. I know God has called me to write. I am working on a novel, and the largeness of the task is overwhelming, the difficulty is immense and it is downright disagreeable sometimes. It's easy to find other things to fill up my time other than sitting down to write. To procrastinate by choosing easier tasks/chores/ministries/entertainment, is to be disobedient to the calling God has for my life.
The reward for the Israelite's obedience? Joshua 21:44 - "And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true."
My reward for being obedient? God hasn't promised me a six figure book deal (or any book deal for that matter). He has promised to be with me and equip me and joy and freedom along the way.
What is God calling you to do? What is hindering you from doing it? I challenge you to step out from your comfortableness. If you're not sure what to do, find something that God has given you a passion for and get involved. As you are working, He'll guide the next steps.
He is with us and He is for us. Go take possession of the land!
