Boundaries: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 15

“But the people of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem; so the Jebusites live with the people of Judah in Jerusalem to this day.”  Joshua 15: 63

Every detail of this land is marked out by boundaries surrounding the people of Judah according to their families. They numbered their cities and the villages attached to them. They supplied springs where needed. Their borders were clearly marked out north—south—east—west, by rivers and hills and wadis.

And yet still in the very center remained a tribe of Jerusalem that they could not expel and so they stayed. As a reminder of their limitations? Like Paul, was this to be a thorn in their side? Or because God had His own plans of redemption for that tribe and only by living alongside the people of Judah would they ever hear His truth?

Do these landmarks listed in such detail apply to us spiritually as well? What boundaries surround us physically, spiritually or vocationally? Perhaps we do not have literal landmark markings but we have a concrete territory we abide in. Who or what is at the center? Which springs of water are we drinking from?

Caleb’s daughter trusted him to provide for her and her family, just as God had provided their homes and lands and rivers and pastures.  Do we trust or do we question?

Lord, the questions explode almost to the point of collapse. Please keep us in Your peace in the midst of friend and foe knowing that You set our boundaries and are present in the midst of us. Give us Your wisdom that we might live in the heritage You give us daily with confidence and compassion.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 135: 12 & 14

“And gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to his people Israel.”

“For the Lord will vindicate his people, and have compassion on his servants.”

Caleb: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Caleb

Forty plus years

did Caleb stay

strong in faith

waiting upon

the Lord’s word

still trusting

as from the beginning

when he wholeheartedly

committed to God’s plan

knowing promise

would not fail

so he too did not falter

always ready to serve

forever.

Reflection: Strength: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What is the longest you have had to wait to see a personal promise fulfilled?

2.     What circumstances trigger a stumble in faith for you?

3.     How do you restore yourself in God’s words?

4.     In what ways does trust determine your reactions and actions to new opportunities or in continuing towards a goal you cannot yet see?

Share: When has the Lord given you strength beyond your physical or emotional ability?

Strength: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 14

“I am still as strong today as I was on the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming.” Joshua 14:11

Although Joshua was old and advanced in years the Lord still gave him the directions for the land that had yet to be taken. Though Caleb was now eighty-five years old he remained as strong in body and spirit, as at age forty when he and Joshua stood firm on God’s promises and were the only two to trust God to enter Canaan then. And now they are the only two surviving leaders of the exodus from Egypt to enter the new land.

Still ready to obey whatever God intended. Ready to participate in God’s purpose.

Fatigue of body and spirit often influence us to let go of dreams, or ministries, or hope, thinking we are now too old, or unproductive, or too dry. Yet those aren’t the criteria for relinquishing a promise or a commitment. Sometimes we base our decisions on human strength alone.

“If God is for us, then who is against us?” Romans 8:31

The NAS version highlights the ‘is’ in the question. I can’t help noticing it is an active and present confirmation.  Too often I measure whether I should move forward or not based on past failures as the standard for my decisions. But a confirmation to move ahead, or to wait even longer, is not based on our steam power but on the Lord’s.

Now—each day. Whether a time of rest or a time of action, a season of desert solitude or a season of war. Whether prior gifts and talents are to be revived or completely new ones given.

His plans—His purposes—His promises.  Ours to trust—to follow—to believe.

In His strength and power. For going and for coming whatever each day brings—to  serve.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 134: 1

“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord;

who stand by night in the house of  the Lord!”

Covering: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Covering

A specific allotment

a particular inheritance

whether of land or

worship’s blessings.

From new born cries to

faltering old age

a particular command

a specific task to complete.

Walk in obedience

with His strength

covering every day

Creator’s gift.

Reflection: Inheritance: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Do you think the whole tribe of Levi saw God’s inheritance as a blessing? Why?

2.     What would be the privileges? What would be the sacrifices?

3.     How does that compare with believers today, not only ordained clergy?

4.     Read Revelation 8:3-5. In what ways do the people mirror the Levites?

Share: What inheritance from the Lord do you joy in?

Inheritance: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Joshua 13

“To the tribe of Levi alone Moses gave no inheritance; the offerings by fire to the Lord God of Israel are their inheritance, as he said to them.” Joshua 13: 14

Chosen to give the offerings by fire. Chosen to be in the center of worship.

Devoted to the service of the sanctuary. Designated guardians of the tabernacle. Their tents had surrounded the tabernacle while they traveled—as a protective bridge. Among their designated cities were also cities of refuge. And then later they were ministers in the temple at Jerusalem.

One commentator says, “the Levites were scattered among the tribes to keep alive among them the knowledge and service of God.”

In their office as priests they offered up the sin sacrifices daily. They represented the people before God and they also offered up sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. They gave religious instruction and warned against the perils of idolatry and unbelief. They gave God His glory.

Peter tells all believers, “And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. …. A people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” 1 Peter 2: 5 & 9 NAS

In our allotted places we too are scattered among the people around us to serve God willingly with prayer, and praise, and witness.

Lord, only in Your strength can we fully become Your servants and live out the inheritance You have given. Help us to lean wholly upon You in daily worship and calling wherever You send us to keep alive Your words of refuge and redemption.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 133: 1-2

“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!

It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard of Aaron, running down the collar of his robes.”