How should the division of land in Joshua 15:20 influence our community stewardship? Setting the Scene in Joshua 15:20 “This was the inheritance of the tribe of the sons of Judah according to their families.” Key Truths from the Allocation of Judah’s Land • The land is called an “inheritance”—a gift, not a human achievement. • God Himself sets the boundaries (cf. Deuteronomy 32:8). • Inheritance is distributed by families, reinforcing communal responsibility. Stewardship Lessons for Today • God Owns; We Manage – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). – Judah’s parcel shows that ownership remains divine; caretaking is human. – Our homes, churches, and neighborhoods are trusts to be managed faithfully (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Defined Boundaries Encourage Order – Clear lines prevented tribal conflict; they fostered peace and cooperation. – Respect property lines, zoning, and community agreements; they protect neighborly harmony (Romans 13:7–10). • Provision Is Meant to Bless the Whole Community – Cities listed later in the chapter included pasturelands for Levites and refuges for the vulnerable (Joshua 21:9–13). – Share resources so “there were no needy among them” (Acts 4:34). – Support local ministries, food banks, and benevolence funds. • Land Care Reflects Covenant Faithfulness – Sabbath-year rest and Jubilee laws guarded the soil and the poor (Leviticus 25:23–24). – Practice sustainable agriculture, responsible development, and creation care. • Inheritance Is Multi-Generational – Judah’s allotment remained identifiable for centuries, illustrating legacy. – Teach children to view possessions as God’s gifts (Proverbs 13:22). – Craft wills, endowments, and church budgets that prioritize gospel work. • Thankfulness Fuels Stewardship – Joshua’s record of boundaries is an act of remembrance. – Regularly recount God’s provisions in testimonies, newsletters, and family devotions (Psalm 103:2). Practical Steps for Your Community • Map your neighborhood needs; allocate church funds to address them. • Organize community clean-ups, beautification projects, and conservation efforts. • Establish a benevolence committee to steward resources transparently. • Mentor younger believers in budgeting, tithing, and generosity. • Partner with other congregations to protect local green spaces and serve the marginalized. |
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