S222P7 – Lessons from Joshua: cogs in a great machine
Jos. 13:1-2a, 6b-7
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the LORD said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess. This is the land that yet remains…I myself will drive them out from before the people of Israel. Only allot the land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes and half the tribe of Manasseh.”
Progress, progress, we are always in search of progress. I think of the those who suffered greatly and lost their lives at a young age during the industrial revolution. Theirs was a brief but important role in a significant era of change in our nation that has led to many of the conveniences we enjoy in life today. Even beyond that era, when we survey from the founding of our nation to where we are today, we see changes that occurred over decades and generations, but many agents of that change only saw small portions of it. Many fought for freedoms they never would enjoy, but we have them today. It is similar to the plan and the story in which God allows us to have a brief yet important role.
The Lord had much in mind to accomplish regarding the assignment of land to his people Israel. He enlisted the help of Joshua, whose story we still read today, but God’s plan was bigger than the life of Joshua. The story of Israel was much bigger than the life of Joshua. The historical course of the building of God’s kingdom is much bigger than the life of Joshua. In his old age, his ability was limited. The Lord recognized this and again comforted Joshua by telling him that the Lord himself would make sure that the remainder of this plan was fulfilled. Joshua was faithful, and he led Israel as he should have, but his work at some point would be done. That did not mean that the Lord’s work was done.
We can view the work God has for us to complete from two perspectives. One perspective would tell us that our roles are very small. It might even trick us into thinking that anyone could step in and do what God has asked any of us to do. The other perspective sees our part in light of the whole picture and recognizes how incredible it is for God to include us each in his great plan. That perspective also recognizes that God calls us individually. Just as He called Joshua and Moses to their roles, He calls each of us to ours. Father, help us to appreciate even the small things You ask us to do because we know it is a privilege to play any role in your great plan.