Sun.’s Devo - Taking the Land

Read: Joshua 13:1-14:15; Luke 18:1-17; Psalm 85:1-13; Proverbs 13:7-8 Joshua was growing old and there was still land to conquer and dole out. They had not conquered the land of the Philistines which was in the land that ended up being Judah’s. This would be where David would spend much of his life running from Saul. God told them that He would drive out the people before them. All Joshua had to do was to assign it to a tribe. Their job would be moving into the land courageously and trusting God to go before them. *** The land of the half tribe of Manasseh, Reuben and Gad had already been given out on the eastern side of the Jordan. Joshua described their boundaries so they would have it written down for the future generations. *** Caleb went to Joshua and reminded him of what Moses had promised him when they spied out the land the first time. Caleb had asked for the land that they spied out where Jericho and Hebron was. Caleb told the miracle of his own strength and how he was as strong now as he was 40 years ago. What a promise to claim! Joshua gave Caleb his request. *** In Luke, Jesus told them a story of an unjust judge who didn’t fear God or love people. A woman came to him over and over seeking justice over a dispute with her enemy. He finally gave her what she wanted to get rid of her. Jesus said that God was a just judge who loves us so how much more will he give us justice when we come to him. *** Jesus told another story comparing a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble yet despised tax collector. The Pharisee was proud where the tax collector was humble and feared God. Jesus explained that God heard the prayer of the tax collector over the one of the Pharisee. Those who choose to humble themselves will be exalted and those how choose to be proud will be humbled. *** Jesus told us that the way to receive the Kingdom of God is how the children came up to Jesus. They were not afraid of him or bashful. They came innocently with pure hearts. *** Lord, may we be like the children. But, may we know our territory and march boldly into our land and take it for the Lord’s sake. Bless our nation.