Inheritance

What do you tend to think of when you hear the word “inheritance.” Typically we think of the things, heirlooms, and money that maybe be given to us at the death of a parent, family member, or friend. Sometimes we might even move past the material things and think about the memories and teachings that we will continue to inherit for days, weeks, months, and even years following death. In our continued reading of Joshua, the Israelites had won the battles, they were obedient to the Lord’s plan, and in return, they inherited the promised land, the land of Cannon. Their lots were divided by Joshua, and some of the lots were promised by Moses to Caleb. It was their inheritance. 

The charge to Joshua began at the passing of Moses. It was laid out in Joshua 1:7 as God’s instruction, “Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left so that you will have success wherever you go.” Following God in every detail is central to a good and right and fruitful life. We’ve watched Joshua, and the people do this in the first 11 chapters of Joshua. Now we find the land where the people settled to live.

What is a land title? How do you get one in the present day? At this point in Bible history, possession of land came about a little differently. Joshua 13 describes this process for those about to inherit the promised land? Today we might make payments on a mortgage until the land is ours, or we might have land deeded to us when we pay cash for the property; in the time of Joshua, God divided the land; it was their inheritance. Joshua 13-24 details God’s apportionment of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel. The land east of the Jordan River would be occupied by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh (Josh. 13). Locations for the other 9½ tribes, plus the Levites, are described in Joshua 14-19. Joshua and Caleb received special land allocations from God in honor of their faithfulness to the Lord more than forty years earlier.

In this passage, the land was distributed to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It may be easy to get lost in a section of Scripture like this one, containing so many names and places, but we should remember these were real people in history whom God knew and worked in their lives. He does the same for us today.

n chapter 13, verse 14 that one tribe did not receive the land inheritance but instead inherited the continued presence of the Lord. The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Israel who was the progenitor of the tribe of Levi. The Levites did not receive a territorial assignment but were allowed to live in 48 cities (Josh. 21). They performed duties in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They received support from the tithes and offerings given by other Israelites. This omission of the land lots was in obedience to Deut. 10:8-9; 8 At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord to stand before the Lord to minister to him and to bless in his name, to this day. 9 Therefore, Levi has no portion or inheritance with his brothers. The Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord, your God said to him.)

Are you taking the time to impart to your heirs not only material and monetary items but the significance of a spiritual inheritance? When Christ gave His life, He did so to provide eternal life, our inheritance, for all that call upon Him as Lord. He prepared a mansion with many rooms. One is for you; if you have accepted Christ. Take the time to thank your heavenly father for that inheritance. If your parents or family members have passed away, take the time to reflect on the inheritance that has been afforded you. As you continue to journey through the days the Lord has given you, make sure that you leave a spiritual inheritance for all of those who come into contact with you. 

Union Avenue