Joshua 19:51. “These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they made an end of dividing the country.”
AN END Important decisions are being made – People are going to live with the consequences. Their families and generations to come will be affected – All of God’s people are going to be affected and traditions are formed. Do this before the Lord!
There are, and will continue to be complaints – Everyone is not going to be completely satisfied – But don’t let that stop you from the serious work you are doing – It has to be done and you are not acting alone, independently, arbitrarily – Do this before the Lord!
The priest is there to give the spiritual input – The warrior-leader is there to keep things practical – The recognized leaders of families are there to represent other’s opinions – The lot is there to be cast as discussions are concluded and a decision has to be made – Do this before the Lord!
Lives will be affected by what you do here – Loyalty and unity will be promoted by your decisions – You are designating areas of responsibility and privilege – Those who know what their work is and what is expected, will develop and mature – Do this before the Lord!
Here at Shiloh, what you are doing has great impact – The decisions you make will reduce potential conflicts – The boundaries – the limitations will actually fulfill rather than restrict The expectations of the people – they know now where they belong – what is expected – Do this before the Lord!
“Holy God, I know leadership is a burden to many of my brethren. They don’t seem to be able to understand the consequences of the decisions they make. Many decisions are made quickly without dialogue and careful consideration with their peers. Please help the leaders of our assemblies to consider they are not to act alone but with a spiritual view, a practical view and an emotional view of the effects that will result from their decision. Most of all – help them understand their action and decision is done before the Lord. If there is any way I can help to bring this about, please make that course of action clear to me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”