PRINCIPLES TO APPLY. Joshua 18 Seven tribes had not yet been assigned specific land when the Israelites gathered at Shiloh with the Tabernacle set up before them. This would remind them that God was the one whose authority established these allotments. The affairs of their lives were under divine oversight, and they were not following God's prior instructions. They apparently failed to see the difference between the national wars in which they defeated enemy armies and the tribal conquests where each tribe was to occupy its designated territory. They had to personally step onto the land for it to become theirs.
We cannot rely on past decisions or mountain-top experiences to establish the principles of Christian living. We may learn from them, but most of our lives are lived in the routine of everyday life. Missionaries and Christian workers of all kinds, driven by high expectations and strong motivations, spend much of their time doing daily tasks just like everyone else. Often, people are not eager to come to Christ for salvation, so there is a constant need to repeat the same efforts until their work bears fruit. We can live in a land of joy and spiritual power. However, there are certain things we must avoid to fully enjoy this life.
We should first use what we already have and do what we are currently able to do. Only then will we discover if we are capable or qualified to be trusted with more responsibility. Often, there are things we allow to stay in our lives that make it easier to live in the world but actually prevent us from experiencing the blessings of life on holy ground. Anything that hinders our spiritual growth and fellowship with God and His people needs to be removed. The more we obey, the greater our discipline in life. The more disciplined we are, the stronger our faith in God becomes. The stronger our faith, the deeper our commitment to the Lord. The deeper our commitment, the more evident God's grace is in our lives. The more grace we receive, the smaller we become in our own eyes.
The Tabernacle was relocated from Gilgal to Shiloh, which is at the center of the country. Although God's presence was with them there, it was not a godly city. However, it made it easier for people from all directions to gather for the seven feasts of Jehovah and related events. The ark stayed there during the time of the judges of Israel until the Israelites took it into battle, and the Philistines captured it. Joshua led the nation, but each tribe had to claim its inheritance, which was designated at Shiloh by casting lots. This was not simply a matter of chance but a way for God to show each tribe what was theirs. Thirty-six men surveyed the entire land and mapped it out. A written record was created to prevent disputes over ownership later on. The Levites were dispersed among all the tribes.
The testimony of an assembly may not be in the most admired place, and indeed, we are not the most admired people. Yet, it is our privilege to be associated with the name and Person of our Lord Jesus Christ wherever He chooses to place His name. People around may ask, "Why do you go there?" in a manner that is derogatory as they compare who we are and where we go with what is popular and admired by the world. We need to remember, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them."
Another principle to remember is that no matter how attractive and appealing the world and its ways may seem, whether in business, society, or religion, the "Canaanite" world is still not the guidance we should follow, nor should we imitate its methods. The path of least resistance might actually be the most costly for someone who is a child of God. We might think it's easier to handle a matter or conduct business by engaging with those who do not live or practice biblical principles, but their influence and the eventual outcome will bring us down to that level. Some of the Israelite tribes failed to eliminate the threats others posed because they preferred that others do for them what they should have done themselves. Many of us don’t receive the blessings God promises to those who live by faith in His grace through Christ because we dislike the cost of self-denial. Sacrificing a favorite habit or sin keeps us spiritually lazy and easily content with past achievements. This robs us of blessings and can even hinder others and give the devil a foothold. We need to follow Paul’s example and “press for the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Do we truly expect God to bless us, or are we giving in to spiritual inertia?
Joshua told the children of Israel, 18:3. “How long are ye slack to in to possess the land…?” There was a description of the land by three men of each tribe, and then lots determined which tribe would get each portion. It is an interesting observation that in this way, the land and the tribe to possess it were a match made by God to suit. Benjamin was promised to dwell in safety… “between His shoulders” [De.33:12] if they possessed their land. A safe place to be! Benjamin's land was a buffer zone between the northern and southern tribes. Issachar would receive “treasures of the ocean and jewels of the sand.”
Some of the greatest blessings of grace and character are promised to the Christian. Asher’s land will be filled with winepresses and will be strong. “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” [De.33:24-25]. They will be fresh and strong. The child of God today has the oil of the Spirit to gain strength and power for every situation in life. Naphtali will be full of the Lord’s blessing. All of the Israelites would greatly benefit if they possessed the promised inheritance. Each tribe was suited to the place where their lot fell. That principle still applies to us. God knows each of us and how best we can be used in His kingdom. It is His divine right to place us where He wants so we can do what He desires.
Why are you still waiting? There is much to do. Jobs are waiting to be done – boring, it is true – but your possessions are there for the taking. Rise up and claim them – you are wasting time. The tasks before you, no doubt, are large, and the rewards that God promises you are enormous. Not all of life is lived on mountain-tops with ease – blessings are waiting there for you to move ahead and seize. Difficulties are awaiting your labor to overcome them, and the promised land is waiting for you to step on and claim. You don’t have to go it alone – many are near to assist you. Don’t procrastinate, or your great opportunity will be missed.
Seize your advantage and responsibility over your time. Discipline yourself, plan, and focus—take control of your mind. Benjamin, you will be safe dwelling between God’s shoulders—Issachar, you will have jewels of sand and treasures of oceans. All around you and just ahead; there—use your strength—and all you lack; you will find God will provide completely to meet all—and more than you need to live. When you discipline yourself, you will gain far more than you give.
Shiloh became the center of the nation until the time of Samuel, illustrating that God is the one who provides rest and peace to those who love and obey Him. Believers will not worship in spirit and in truth until they are aware that there are no barriers between them and the Lord. Christians can be confident of being “accepted in the Beloved” and forgiven of their sins, yet still have an accusing conscience because of some unconfessed and forsaken sin. Communion with God is essential for true worship. Participating in the Lord’s Supper is a way Jesus Christ gave us to be consciously aware of our need for openness with God in our worship. Our service to the Lord can be fulfilling when there are no hidden agendas.
The Lord granted Israel victory and the land as their inheritance, but it had to be personally claimed and conquered. We can pray for God’s blessing, but if we do not worship Him, our requests for benefits or needed grace in times of need are really just words. We may witness God’s goodness and mercy to us, but unless our prayers and words lead our souls to praise and worship of our Savior, our hearts will lack what they truly need. A worshipper with a warm heart will be filled with thankfulness and gratitude and will be consciously united with God, who makes us rich and adds no sorrow.
Each tribe of Israel had a unique character, and the location of their inheritance shaped their way of life. When they gathered at Shiloh, they were in a place that never changed. No matter who they were or what they did for a living, when they came to where God dwelled among the people, the Tabernacle and God's presence were a common attraction and the main focus of their hearts and minds.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the focus and common attraction of His people today. Redemption makes us God’s children; obedience makes us true servants, and grateful hearts make us worshippers. We may come from different backgrounds, cultures, occupations, and nations, but our love for the Lord unites us with Him and with each other. God’s presence, power, and light draw us together in fellowship. When our Lord is the main focus of our lives, we will show unity, faith, grace, peace, and love to one another, and hopefully, that will be a positive testimony to others who observe us.
It would have been an impressive sight to see and to be part of—watching all of God’s victorious people surrounded by the inheritance He had given them. It had exceeded their needs, and everyone gathered together as one body worshipping God at Shiloh in peace and gratitude would have been unforgettable. That was a foreshadowing of a future day when the nation will be regathered with our Lord Jesus Christ as the focus and center of all their hopes coming true.