TODAY’S READING: JOSHUA 15-18
OVERVIEW:
ThelandofCanaanis divided among the tribes ofIsrael.
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
In Joshua 15, Caleb, the eternally strong warrior (Josh.14:11; a picture of God the Father), decides to reward the man who conquers and takes the city ofKirjathsepher(“city of the Book”) with his daughter, Achsah, to wife. Othniel (meaning “lion”), who happens to be from the tribe ofJudah, conquers and takes “the city of the Book” in order to obtain his bride. Achsah, which means “anklet”, was given to Othniel as a reward for his accomplishments in battle. Her “anklet” distinguished her from other women when she walked. During this time period, women were covered from head to toe with clothing, making it hard to tell one from the other. The picture is that we, the church, were given to Christ, the Lion from the tribe ofJudah, to be His bride because of His accomplishments in battle (He rose from the dead and fulfilled every prophecy in “the Book” of God). We, too, should now be known for our walk in this world, just like Achsah (Rom.6:4; Eph. 4:1). I preached on this passages last summer when we were going through the series “Claim your field”
Also in chapter15:18-20, Achsah (the Bride of Christ, who is known by her walk), makes a request from her father Caleb (God the Father). She begs her father for a field (Matt.13:38- “the field is the world”) with springs of water (Eph.5:26– water pictures the Word of God). Caleb gives her what she wants so that she can produce much “fruit”. We, as God’s children, are commissioned to take His Word to the world in order to produce much fruit (John15:16)! But beware of Satan, who is more “subtle” than any beast of “the field” (Gen. 3:1; II Cor. 11:3-4).
There are several observations we must make from this portion of Scripture to understand some of the key issues we face as we, like Israel, seek to possess our inheritance (Acts 20:32; Eph. 1:15-23):
- Some chose to dwell on this side ofJordan(Num. 32). They were the first to fall to the enemy because they settled for less than God intended for them (II Kings 10).
- Some were partial possessors (Josh.16:10). They could have driven the enemies out, but chose to put them under tribute instead. In the same way learn to “spiritualize” our flesh, and use it for “ministry”, instead of utterly destroying our flesh on a daily basis. This is exalty what we are currently studying in the book of Esther
- Some were conquerors and possessed all of their inheritance (Josh.8:26;19:47).
- One wanted more (Caleb in Josh. 15).
In terms of dealing with your flesh and allowing God to totally possess you, which of the four observations listed above best describes you?
This portion of Scripture also provides us with several action steps for beginning the process of possessing our inheritance (I Thess. 4:4):
- “Arise” (Josh. 18:8) – Get up out of your “safe” place. Sometimes we have to get uncomfortable in order to deal with our flesh.
- Go for a walk (Josh. 18:8) – “Walk” through your life and see what you still haven’t allowed God to possess.
- Tell Joshua (Jesus) what you see (Josh. 18:8-9) – Take it to the Lord in prayer and allow Him to change you and to possess all of you today.
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
Through OTHNIEL – Joshua 15:17; His name means “lion” and he is from the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5).
AsSHILOH– Joshua 18:1;Shilohmeans “rest”…from war (see Gen. 49:10; Matt.11:28and Col. 3:15-16).