BOUNDARIES AND ORDER. Joshua 19 There are ways to measure growth in a Christian's life that help us stay consistent and organized. We are not a group of independent people who can do whatever we want, however we want, and wherever we want. We live under divine authority when we accept the Lordship of Christ. Order is maintained when we understand our objectives and our goals are clear. We have the "marching orders" and the promises that follow when the work is done; establishing boundaries for God's people was important in the past, and we can learn valuable lessons from those principles that have been tested and proven.
The boundaries set when those thirty-six men crossed the land had solid reasons behind them. Instead of one large open country where everyone competed for the best spots based on personal desire, there were twelve distinct areas assigned to people according to their tribal heritage. Tribal ownership fostered loyalty and unity within each group. Responsibilities and privileges within that group were clearly recognizable. This helped the tribe and its possessions grow in a righteous and mature way. It kept people from acting immaturely, each wanting the best for themselves and claiming more than they deserved. Conflicts between families were less likely because each family’s territory was limited to a specific geographic area defined by the boundaries. This practice fulfilled the promised inheritance that traces back to Jacob's words in Genesis 48.
Boundaries and order in the Christian life help us avoid going back to old ways and following the patterns of the world. Daily obedience to the Word and faith in God guide us to live up to our potential as God's children. Our spiritual capacity can actually grow as we learn to live in the land we claim and take advantage of God's promises. It is important for us to "walk and please God more and more," and as a result, we will love one another "more and more."
Some of the land had already been designated, such as the territories of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan. Judah's land had been promised long before, along with the other half of Manasseh and Ephraim's territory in the center and south of the country. When the remaining land was assigned by drawing lots, the first was Benjamin, placed as a buffer between Ephraim and Judah, who would later be separated. Simeon's land in the south was second to be drawn, which included the use of some of Judah's inheritance for Simeon's people. Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali were allocated land by lot with boundaries in the northern part of the promised land. Dan had a small territory in the middle of the country, but there was not enough land for all of them, so Dan moved to the far northeast of the land, crossing the river to take Leshem. Leshem was renamed Dan, so the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" meant the entire land from the city of Dan in the far northeast to Beersheba in the southern desert. Dan's territory was divided into two parts separated by many miles.
We cannot gauge the value of a thing or work solely by its size. In God's eyes, what seems important to us may actually hold little worth. What we might dismiss, like the widow's two mites, could have tremendous spiritual significance to God. A "word in season" might be more impactful than a series of sermons. A single act of kindness can produce results only God can interpret. It is our duty to understand the boundaries God has set for our benefit and to leave other efforts to those He has entrusted with that responsibility. When we maintain a spiritual order in our responsible work, we can trust God to handle the outcomes.
Important decisions are being made, and people will have to live with the consequences. Their families and future generations will be impacted. All of God’s people will be affected, and the traditions created now will last for generations. Do this before the Lord!
There will be ongoing complaints because not everyone will be completely satisfied with the decisions made. But don’t let that discourage you from the serious work you are doing. What you are doing must be done, and you are not acting alone, independently, or arbitrarily. Do this before the Lord!
The warrior-leader is there to maintain practicality and organization. The recognized family leaders are there to represent others' opinions. The lot is there to be cast once discussions are finished and a decision needs to be made. Do this before the Lord!
Lives will be affected by what you do here. Your decisions will foster loyalty and unity. You are assigning areas of responsibility and privilege to those who understand their work, and they are expected to grow and mature. Do this before the Lord!
Here at our “Shiloh,” what you are doing has a significant impact on many people. The decisions you make will help prevent potential conflicts. The boundaries and limitations set will actually meet rather than hinder the expectations of others. They now understand where they belong and what is expected of them. Do this before the Lord!