What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Joshua 13:11? Setting the Scene “also Gilead, the region of the Geshurites and Maacathites, all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan as far as Salecah.” – Joshua 13:11 Seeing Sovereignty in Boundaries • God Himself defines the map. Places that look like mere geographical footnotes are actually evidence that “the earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • Every border named—Gilead, Mount Hermon, Bashan—reminds us that “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). • The listing is not random; it proves God’s meticulous control. Centuries earlier He promised Abraham these very lands (Genesis 15:18–21). Now, line by line, He cashes the check. Promises Kept, Promises Certain • Joshua 13 reads like a title deed being transferred. The One who “works out everything according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11) is finalizing what He said He would do. • God’s sovereignty guarantees covenant faithfulness. What He promises, He parcels out—down to each ridge, valley, and city. • Because He kept His word here, we can rest assured He will keep His word about our future inheritance in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4). Human Hands, Divine Plan • Israel’s army fought, but the victory was authored by the Lord (Joshua 10:42). In Joshua 13:11 the writer simply reports what God already secured. • Our efforts today—parenting, working, serving—are real and necessary, yet undergirded by the God who “makes all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28). • This partnership humbles us. Success is stewardship, not self-made glory (Proverbs 16:33). Comfort in the Details • If God tracks ancient tribal lines, He certainly sees the edges of your life—your finances, health, relationships. • Nothing falls outside His jurisdiction: “Our God is in heaven and does whatever pleases Him” (Psalm 115:3). • Therefore anxiety loses its grip; the One who counts borders also numbers hairs (Matthew 10:30). Living Under His Reign • Acknowledge His ownership: hold plans loosely, knowing all territory—literal or figurative—belongs to Him. • Trust His timing: Israel waited decades for these allotments; we may wait, but His calendar is perfect (Habakkuk 2:3). • Celebrate His faithfulness: rehearse past deliverances to fuel present confidence (Psalm 77:11-12). • Align with His purposes: like Israel planting vineyards in Bashan, invest your gifts where the King has placed you (1 Corinthians 15:58). The God who parceled out Gilead and Bashan still governs every inch of history—and every inch of our lives. |
    |