March 28th

Joshua 18:1-19:48

The rest of the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes of Israel. So far this week, besides the two and a half tribes that settled on the east of the Jordan, Joshua has parceled out land to Judah, Ephraim, and the other half of Manasseh. Today, Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Isaachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan all received their inheritance.

Although there was not a great deal of substance in today’s passage, most of it being details about the borders and cities of each territory, there is, I think, a great truth here. Each of these sections was given by the will of God through the casting of lots. In other words, God decided which territory was suitable for the needs of each tribe. He had in mind all along where He would like for them to be and the parcel of land that would best work for them. Now it was just a matter of mapping out the borders and getting people in the right places.

Why would we expect anything less from our God? We’ve read about the orderliness of His creation, we’ve witnessed His minute details in describing the building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, we’ve seen how intricate His sacrificial system was, and we’ve noticed His perfect plan for the arrangement of Israel’s camping and marching procedures. Why should we be surprised that God had Canaan all mapped out and that He had a perfect place in mind for His people?

Daily Reflection

Just as He did then, the Lord places people exactly where He wants them today, which means that He had in mind the perfect place for you. He ordained the very place where you would be born, where you would grow up, where you would live, where you would go to school, where you would attend church, and where you would work. He knows everything there is to know about you. Not only does He know it, but He knew it before time began; and He had a plan in mind for you, a perfect plan with a perfect place.

You are where you are because God has put you there. He has asked you to be His ambassador, His representative, to the world around you, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, in your church, and in your family. He has carved out a sphere of influence for you, but are you using your opportunities to influence others for Him?

Are you making the most of the place God has allotted to you? Are you being a good steward of your “inheritance”? Or are you restless and resentful about God’s place in life for you? Are you always wishing to be somewhere else?

Don’t waste your time complaining about God’s allotment for your life; rather get busy being an ambassador. God does nothing by accident; He is intentional and purposeful. Your gifts, your circumstances, and your experiences are perfect for the time and place where He has stationed you. Be grateful and get to work!

BiAY.org | Day 87 — 278 Days to Go