Peace and Prosperity

Then Joshua asked them, “How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given to you? [Joshua 18.3]

Why the wait?

I don't really see any answer to this question.  But for whatever reason, seven of Israel's tribes were delayed in taking possession of their allotment of the Promised Land.  Maybe they were scared of the inhabitants.  Or, maybe they were sympathetic toward the inhabitants.  Maybe they were lazy and just wanted God to give it to them without a fight...

The fact that it was the "Promised Land" is important simply because it was promised!  It was part of what God had committed to give Israel.  There was in fact a certain 'quantity' to the Promised Land too that was clearly defined in the fact that there was "remaining land" to be conquered and taken possession of!

It is always worth remaining mindful that God's promise to Israel involved displacement of others.  One nation's gain was another's loss.  One nation's blessing was another nation's curse.  Something to consider.

So, again, why the wait in taking the remaining land? 

I wonder if God sometimes asks us this same question today?  Of all that He has promised His followers throughout the pages of the Bible, there is much that has not yet been laid claim to.

First, if we may learn something from Joshua's account, it was not a matter of 'receiving' but rather one of 'taking possession' - much different scenarios!  

How might we see Christ in this situation?  God has given us His Son of Promise - that part has been done just the same as God promised Israel the Promised Land.  But many have yet to take possession of all that Christ has done for mankind.  There has been partial possession, but much of what Jesus Himself declared He brought to mankind has yet to be taken possession of.

Jesus, quite broadly speaking, offered two things: peace and prosperity.  Peace was offered in the salvation of man's soul - the subsequent indwelling of God's Holy Spirit.  Prosperity was offered in the general instruction to 'ask and receive.'  It is easy to see that the Church today could very easily be asked the same question posed by Joshua that began this post.

Perhaps we need to evaluate what we have been promised relative to what we have 'taken possession' of!

Father, I find myself challenged today.  Israel's relationship with You was not one of the future, but very much one that affected their present situations.  Help me to consider these ideas today and act accordingly upon all (not just some of) Your promises made to me!