Joshua 20-22

March 11

Joshua 20-22

The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh asked to receive their inheritance from the other side of the Jordan. They made a promise that if God would allow them to settle on the east side of the Jordan, they would go and fight with their brothers until they had conquered the land promised to them. After the land was conquered, Joshua called them together and commended them for fulfilling their promise and standing by their brothers in battle. Joshua released them to return to their home.

Before they left, Joshua reminded them that God was God and they were to continue to walk in obedience to Him. He gave the two and a half tribes instructions that apply to us today. "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”" (Joshua 22:5, NIV) When God’s people heed this advise, God blesses them, when they do not, they face God’s wrath.

We live in a world that pulls us in many directions. There are temptations and trials around every corner. Some say that those who walk with God are weak minded. Some claim God is a superstition. But those who walk with him, who obey his commands, who hold fast to Him and serve Him, experience God’s blessings and His presence in our lives. The Israelites experienced God’s blessings as He gave them victory over their adversaries.

We have the advantage of knowing what lies ahead for the Israelites. We read that when they walked in obedience to God and loved him with all their hearts and souls, He blessed them beyond measure. When they turned from him and worshipped other gods, they were defeated and faced many consequences.

Follow the Lord and walk in obedience to Him. Love Him with all your heart and soul, and you will experience God in His fullness.