Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17 ESV
The children of Israel had finally occupied the Promised Land. Though all the nations had not been conquered, it was time to divide the inheritance so that everyone got a portion.
Joshua 13-19 contains a detailed annotation of how the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelites. To modern-day readers, this account may seem like little more than lists filled with difficult to pronounce names. Yet, they serve a purpose.
As you read through the account, one of the first things you’ll realize is that not everyone was given the same amount of land. And while it’s true that we have no idea how big these allotments were, a quick glance at the atlas in the back of your Bible will show that each tribe was not given the same amount of land.
Another thing that will stand out is that every tribe was given a portion, except the Levi’s. When God directed Moses and then Joshua to divide the Promised Land, He did it in such a way that each tribe got an allotment based on their size.
Large tribes got a bigger allotment, but each tribe got enough land so that every family had more than enough to be able to support themselves.
As people living in modern society, this is sometimes difficult for us to relate to. We’re taught that bigger is better and more is to be expected, even demanded.
But the lesson God wants to teach us through the division of land is that He gives each person the resources they need to accomplish the tasks they’ve been given. Each family had an equal opportunity to provide for their household. Each tribe had the same opportunity to pass something on to their descendants.
God put restrictions in place so that the land could not pass permanently out of the ownership of the tribe to which it was allotted (Leviticus 27). This was a blessing because it meant that even when persons married outside of their tribes, the inheritance would remain with the original family to whom it was given.
Friend, it may be a case that you’re struggling to make ends in this life. This is not God’s intention. He wants to bless you more than you can imagine in this life and the next, but you have to trust Him. He has given you all the resources you need to accomplish the tasks He has assigned to you.
But you have to tap into these resources in faith. You do that when you choose to trust Him each and every day believing that He is faithful to meet all your needs.
Prayer
Lord, I’m grateful that You know all my needs and that You have always been beyond generous with Your people. Help me to understand that the scarcity of resources was never Your intention and that You have laid aside a portion just for me. I’m grateful because I know that whatever You have set aside will be enough for Me. Thanks for loving Me enough to provide for me, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Other actions you can take: