Conquered to Possess

 I was challenged by Emily over at Little Roots Co. to make a bible reading plan for the year. I decided to start in the book of Joshua since I was reading a novel about Rahab. Some of the recurring themes in Joshua are the sovereign leadership, protection, and provision of the Lord. In the case of the Israelite nation, God was conquering their enemies before their eyes and providing them with the Promised Land. 

The first half of Joshua details the crossing of the Jordan (into the Promised Land) and the conquests of foreign nations, the most famous being the fall of Jericho. In chapter 13, we find Joshua, well advanced in years and reflecting on the many battles won in the past. God reminds him, however, that the job is only halfway done. The book opened with God telling Joshua to "be strong and courageous 1" as he fought for the land that was promised. Now, God is reminding him "I myself will drive [the foreign nations] out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you 2."

You see, the plan and promise of God was not complete until His people took a step out and possessed the inherited land. God had done the miraculous work in the battles. It was His power and His might, yet he chose to involve the people He loved in those conquests. He chose to use them, no matter how sinful and frail, so that they could be co-heirs in the promise 3. Now, how foolish would it be to sit back and be satisfied with miles and miles of gorgeous, conquered countryside and choose to stay in the crowded camp? 

God did not the Promised Land to His people so that they could huddle in their tents. He gave them the Promised Land so that they could possess it and have dominion over it, just as He commanded Adam and Eve in the garden 4. He wanted to fill the earth with His image bearers. He wanted the farmers to till the soil and reap the harvest. He wanted the carpenters and masons to dream and create and build houses for God and His people. He wanted the children to learn how to cultivate the local fruits to enjoy their delicious bounty. 

So it is with us, dear friends. There is no victory over sin in your life that you can claim for your own. It was fought and won in Christ. If you are in Him, you are a new creation 5. If you are in Him, there is an ongoing battle for the landscape of your soul. Yes, the ultimate War over sin and death was won on the cross, but there continues an ever-present wrestling over the things that that would captivate our hearts and fill our days 6.

I believe that God has given us "land to possess" in both the literal and figurative sense. Spiritually, the Lord wants all of our hearts. As He conquers sin in each area of your heart, claim that newfound territory for His glory. In the same way, take note of the "inheritance" God has allotted to you on this earth. Over whom, what, and where do you have dominion? This is not a tyrannical rule. It is a loving rule. A self-sacrificing rule 7. 

The family you have, the co-workers you know, the street you live on, the community you keep... it has all been given to you by God. Are you stepping forward to possess it for His glory? Are you working the ground of human hearts and planting the seeds of God's Word? Are your eyes open to the spiritual realties of the human souls in your midst? Do you see the property you manage, the team you lead, the children you feed, the roommates you bless as opportunities to build the Kingdom of God? 

Over the past year, I have doubted or despised my "inheritance" at times. COVID and life circumstances have many of us feeling isolated. Our circle seems so small that we wonder "am I really making an impact?" Our days can feel so mundane that we think the way we spend our time has no eternal significance. This could not be further from the truth. The Lord has shown me that there is rich purpose to be had today and every day. His mercies are new every morning, and His Word has not changed 8. 

Are we unsatisfied with the lot we've been given? Or will we step up and take possession of what God has so graciously won? Will we show ourselves to be faithful with little because we love and respect our master 9? Will we choose to live in and work the land beneath our feet so that it thrives to the glory of God? Do not despise your lot, dear friend. We do not see as the Lord sees 10. He is ever-present and all-knowing, and He never makes mistakes. Trust Him in what you have been given and step out in faith to possess it. 


In Christ, 

Alyssa


"The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;

you hold my lot.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance." 

-Psalm 16:5-6





Footnotes

1. Joshua 1:9

2. Joshua 13:6

3. Romans 8:15-17

4. Genesis 1:28

5. 2 Corinthians 5:17

6. Ephesians 6:12

7. John 13:1-17

8. Lamentations 3:22-23

9. Matthew 25:14-30

10. Isaiah 55:8-9

 

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