Joshua 18:2–3: “But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance. Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: ‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?’”

April 8th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

In the original language, the Hebrew sentence structure suggests that a large amount of time had passed since the first 5 tribes had settled in their territories. These remaining 7 tribes had grown complacent and were satisfied with their life on the western bank of the Jordan River. Why did they stay there and not go take all that God had for them? Remember that these people had not lived in permanent dwellings for a generation. They were afraid of anything new, even if it was ultimately for their good. They lacked the faith and courage to go where God wanted to take them. So they found themselves living in disobedience to such a degree that Joshua finally had to confront them and tell them to step up and follow the Lord.

Many of us today and no doubt many believers down through the ages have found ourselves in similar situations. We become satisfied with the status quo and grow tired of the battle. We must carefully guard against letting complacency creep into our spiritual lives, sapping our strength and vision. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that without a vision, people perish. Joshua did the work of an encourager, reminding them of the vision God had given and prodding them into obedient action. We all need mature believers in our lives who love us enough to confront us in our times of spiritual apathy. Is God calling you to a change of location? Seek Him again. God waits for us to call on Him for His strength and vision.

“LORD, please guide us this day as we follow You.”