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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 13 June 2025:
Joshua 18:1 — Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them.
This marks a significant spiritual shift—Shiloh becomes the new center of worship as the tent of meeting is relocated from Gilgal. The land is subdued, but much work remains. God’s people are called to live in the tension of “already but not yet.” The victory is won, but the inheritance is not yet fully claimed. Worship comes first—before the rest of the land is divided, before more battles are fought, before more homes are built. Worship reorients the heart and reminds us that the Lord Himself is our greatest portion.
- Psalm 132:13–14 — “For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: ‘This is my resting place forever…’”
- John 4:24 — “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Joshua 18:2–7 — There remained among the people of Israel seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned… So Joshua said… “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land…?”
Seven tribes still haven’t claimed what God has already promised and provided. Joshua’s rebuke is firm: “How long will you put off?” Again, delayed obedience is disobedience. God had already given them the land—they simply needed to move in faith and take hold of it. But fear, comfort, or apathy held them back. How many of God’s people today live beneath their spiritual inheritance because of hesitation? You can’t inherit what you won’t pursue.
- 2 Peter 1:3–4 — His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness… so that… you may become partakers of the divine nature…
- Hebrews 10:38–39 — “My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”
Joshua 18:4-6 – Provide three men from each tribe, and I will send them out that they may set out and go up and down the land. They shall write a description of it with a view to their inheritances, and then come to me. They shall divide it into seven portions. Judah shall continue in his territory on the south, and the house of Joseph shall continue in their territory on the north. And you shall describe the land in seven divisions and bring the description here to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the Lord our God.”
God gives us instructions for how to deal with the realities of human nature to keep peace and unity. People often struggle with rules of equality and fairness, particular when deciding who gets what. Politics has been described as the process of deciding who gets what. God’s plan for dividing the land fairly was to send out teams of three (three witness are required for big decisions) to survey and record (putting the agreement in writing) the portions of land. Since the surveyors had no idea which portion of land they would ultimately get, they were incentivized to make equal portions. Casting lots takes the human out of the process, thereby eliminating any perceptions of bias. This God-given approach to negotiations should serve as a model for us today to preserve unity.
Joshua 18:6 – And I will cast lots for you here before the Lord our God.
What we call chance is never chance to God. God is in total control. God gives the final answer. If you ever feel that you are the victim of circumstances, you fail to fully appreciate the sovereignty of God.
Joshua 18:8–10 — “So the men arose and went… Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion.”
Once again, we see the wisdom of shared responsibility and the centrality of God’s presence. The land was divided “before the Lord”—meaning the process was prayerful, impartial, and under divine authority. God assigns every tribe a portion fit for their calling. Your place, your path, your purpose—none of it is random. Submit your plans before the Lord. Your spiritual inheritance is not about self-selection, but Spirit-direction.
- Proverbs 16:33 — The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 12:18 — But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
Joshua 18:11–28 details the inheritance of the tribe of Benjamin, nestled between Ephraim and Judah. Though small, Benjamin’s land included sacred sites like Jericho, Bethel, and ultimately, Jerusalem (Joshua 18:28). What seems modest in size is great in purpose. God’s distribution isn’t always equal in appearance, but it is always rich in significance. Don’t measure your portion by its size—measure it by its purpose.
- 1 Samuel 9:21 — “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes… and my clan the humblest… Why then have you spoken to me in this way?” (Spoken by Saul, Israel’s first king)
- Luke 12:48 — “To whom much was given, of him much will be required.”
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 13 June 2025: Stop Delaying—Start Advancing. The Lord has already given you promises, spiritual gifts, and a calling—but have you fully possessed what He has offered? Like the seven tribes, many believers live in delay, stuck in indecision or apathy. Today, ask yourself: What part of your spiritual inheritance have you failed to claim? What assignment has God given you that remains unfinished? Don’t wait for perfect conditions or external motivation. Worship first, then move forward with purpose. Step into your calling. Push past hesitation. Take the next step. You were not saved to stand still. Pray: “Father, thank You for the inheritance You have given me in Christ. Forgive me for the times I’ve delayed obedience, waiting when You’ve called me to act. Help me to worship first and move forward in faith, not fear. Give me clarity about the next step You want me to take and the courage to do it. May I live fully in the portion You’ve assigned me and serve Your purposes faithfully. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 