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These women came to Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the Israelite leaders and said, "The LORD commanded Moses to give us a grant of land along with the men of our tribe." So Joshua gave them a grant of land along with their uncles, as the LORD had commanded. Joshua 17:4 NLT
The book of Joshua records only half a dozen occasions when people speak to him. Today’s Bible reading describes the third and fourth occasions.
Joshua is happy to converse with the five daughters of Zelophehad, who clearly and compellingly recite the promise the Lord gave them (Joshua 17:3-6 and Numbers 27:1-11).
Conversely, Joshua is unhappy to converse with the tribal leaders of Ephraim and West Manasseh, who bicker and complain (Joshua 17:14-18) while leaning on the reputation of their mighty patriarch.
Without question, the patriarch Joseph is one of the Bible’s greatest heroes of the faith. What can we learn from him? First, like Joseph’s youthful dreams, we can have a vision of present spiritual blessings and future triumph through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 8:18 and Colossians 3:1-4). Second, like Joseph, we can remain steadfastly confident that God can turn anything around and bring good into our lives and the lives of others (Romans 8:28). Third, Joseph’s life demonstrates that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
You may have to wait out extremely difficult circumstances. Then again—like Joseph, Joshua, and other biblical heroes—you can always trust and obey the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, You want me to always trust and obey You. I will today.
The book of Joshua records only half a dozen occasions when people speak to him. Today’s Bible reading describes the third and fourth occasions.
Joshua is happy to converse with the five daughters of Zelophehad, who clearly and compellingly recite the promise the Lord gave them (Joshua 17:3-6 and Numbers 27:1-11).
Conversely, Joshua is unhappy to converse with the tribal leaders of Ephraim and West Manasseh, who bicker and complain (Joshua 17:14-18) while leaning on the reputation of their mighty patriarch.
Without question, the patriarch Joseph is one of the Bible’s greatest heroes of the faith. What can we learn from him? First, like Joseph’s youthful dreams, we can have a vision of present spiritual blessings and future triumph through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 8:18 and Colossians 3:1-4). Second, like Joseph, we can remain steadfastly confident that God can turn anything around and bring good into our lives and the lives of others (Romans 8:28). Third, Joseph’s life demonstrates that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
You may have to wait out extremely difficult circumstances. Then again—like Joseph, Joshua, and other biblical heroes—you can always trust and obey the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, You want me to always trust and obey You. I will today.
