Bible Pathways - Mar. 19, 2009
March 19
Highlights In Today's Reading:
At last, most of Canaan is under the control of the Israelites and the Tabernacle is set up in a central location at Shiloh. Today's reading will tell you where and why. As they reap the rewards of the promise given on the other side of the Jordan River the land is divided by lot. But some tribes never claimed all their territory. Why?
Once all the tribes received their inheritance, Joshua, in true humility, asked for a small portion of rough territory within the tribe of Ephraim, the proud and arrogant descendants of Joseph. It was not until they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts (borders), the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: According to the Word of the Lord they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnath-serah (meaning "remaining portion") in Mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein (19:49-50). Joshua had accepted a small obscure territory for his inheritance, but it was close to the Tabernacle located at Shiloh. His inheritance was located about 25 miles north of Jerusalem in the mountains of Ephraim and was the least given to anyone. In contrast, proud people often insist on special rights as seen in the Ephraimites as they asked Joshua for a better and greater territory.
The earthly inheritance of this great leader was unimportant to him. His heart and his life were on far, far more important things. His earthly inheritance was so insignificant that the only other reference made to it in the Bible is as the place of Joshua's grave (24:30; Judg. 2:9). Although Joshua was the greatest among them, he asked for the least. His real reward was the satisfaction of knowing he had obeyed and pleased the Lord.
Perhaps one of the greatest hindrances to a Christian's life is things — even good things — that crowd out Christ. But the more our hearts are set on things of eternal value, the less important material possessions become. The fact is, they will soon be left in the hands of others and, eventually, shall pass away (Luke 21:33).
In this Book, there are two spiritual giants: One asked for one of the best and one for the least. Both had their prayers answered and both were great men of faith. More than 40 years before, Caleb said they would conquer the land if the Lord delight in us (Num. 14:8). At that time, the majority chose to say: Let us return into Egypt (14:4). Both Joshua and Caleb were mightily used of God because, like Abraham before them, they were fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform (Rom. 4:20-21).
Thought for Today:
When a person understands that this life is a vapor, material possessions lose their luster.
Christ Revealed:
Through Shiloh. The children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle (Joshua 18:1). The Tabernacle was located at Shiloh, meaning "peace"; the Tabernacle was where the presence of God dwelt and both the place and the Tabernacle were prophetic of Jesus. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace (John 16:33).
Word Studies:
17:1 man of war =great soldier; 17:13 waxen strong =grown stronger; 18:4 describe =draw a descriptive map; 18:10 divisions =family groups; 18:12 the goings out thereof =its outer limits; 18:14 west quarter =western side; 18:17 was drawn =extended; the going up =the ascent; stone =marker; 19:14 compasseth =goes around; outgoings =limits; 19:34 sunrising =east.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Reverend J.W. & Nancy Enfinger • Bible Pathway Accountant: Joe Sarsfield • Country: Dominican Republic (8 million) in the West Indies, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (many are spiritists); 2% Protestant; 1% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Optional Reading: John 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:16
