READ JOSHUA 13
GO DEEPER
Joshua 13:1 says, "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."
The Lord graciously pointed out to Joshua that he was not merely old, but rather "very old." In his earlier days, Joshua had served as a spy alongside Caleb, he had been a close aide to Moses, and he had led the Israelites into the Promised Land. With such an impressive background, Joshua was likely approaching the age of "retirement." He had earned the privilege to relax and commemorate a lifetime of loyalty and devotion. Joshua had truly lived out a version of the American Israelite Dream.
Many of us aspire to achieve the American Dream: achieving success in our careers, earning a substantial income, retiring early, and enjoying leisurely vacations around the world. This ideal may seem enticing and often represents the culmination of years of hard work. However, in Joshua 13, the Lord reminds Joshua that there are still tasks to be accomplished. Despite Joshua's dedicated leadership of God's people throughout his life, he cannot simply relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor. God has further responsibilities for Joshua, including guiding His people and completing the task of dividing the land among the 12 tribes of Israel (see Numbers 34-35).
How would it appear if you adopted a mindset similar to Joshua's? What do you believe the Lord wants you to do to complete your journey successfully? The end could be many years in the future for some, while for others, it may be just around the corner. Despite the time frame, what if we finished with strength, just as the Lord directed Joshua to do? In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul penned, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Regardless of whether you have only one year left or a century, let's strive toward the finish line with determination, keeping in mind that the Lord has tasks for us to accomplish.
QUESTIONS
1. What significance does the term "inheritance" hold in this chapter?
2. Why do you think this chapter provides us with extensive information about the distribution of land? How does this relevance resonate with us in the present day?
3. Identify someone who is fatigued or exhausted and inspire them today to persevere and complete the tasks assigned to them by the Lord.