Joshua 21:1-3 - Now the family heads of the
Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the
other tribal families of Israel at Shiloh in Canaan and
said to them, “The Lord commanded through Moses that you give us
towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock.” So,
as the Lord had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the
following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
When all the land had been allotted…the heads of the Levite
families came to Joshua and Eleazar at Shiloh…in the midst of all the tribe
leaders. They reminded them of God’s
instructions to assign cities for them to dwell in among the other tribes. So
all the tribes gave of their individual portions to fulfill the promise God had
made to these priests…48 cities in all.
I have to admit it wasn’t a fun or deeply meaningful chapter
to read. I got really lost in the strange
names of all those cites…and which family of Levites each city went too. I
found myself skimming the chapter for names and numbers …going to the
commentaries to try and glean some bit of wisdom from all the details.
It was Matthew Henry’s thoughts…who said of this process… “Thus
did God graciously provide for keeping up religion among them, and that they
might have the word in all parts of the land. Yet, blessed be God, we have the
gospel more diffused amongst us...” that started my heart thinking this
morning. It was God’s plan all along that his truth be dispersed throughout the
land. He began this thought with his chosen
people so long ago...and continued it as he left this earth to rein in Heaven
with what many refer to as the great commission.
It is one of the few times that all four gospels record a
bit of Jesus’ words in this important moment of faith for those that were
honored to share his last moments. Mark 16:15… Matthew 28:19…John 20:21…and
Luke 24:26-27 all record the charge he gave to all to believe to share his
truth with all people. It remains the most important part of sharing a personal
relationship with God the father…his precious son Jesus…and the Holy Spirit
that dwells among us to help us in this venture.
It is true that some people who hear will reject it…and even
reject you for your obedience. But it is not our job to make sure they accept
the truth…our job is only to present it.
Free choice is still an option and always will be. We are judged
individually...not as a group.
Father…thank you for the reminder that part of my commitment
to you is to share your truth to others. Forgive me for the times that I have
wasted an opportunity to share your truth to an unbeliever. Help me to be so in tune to your voice that I
hear your directions and your words when a lost soul is near enough to me to be
used of you to help them understand.
Amen.
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