What lessons from Joshua 18:28 can guide us in community and church leadership? Remembering the Verse “Zela, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath—fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the descendants of Benjamin according to their clans.” (Joshua 18:28) Context Matters • The land is finally at rest; allotments are being distributed tribe by tribe. • Benjamin receives a clear, recorded inheritance—specific towns and villages. • Every clan can point to its portion and say, “This is ours by God’s decree.” Lessons for Community and Church Leadership • Clarity of Responsibility – God lists each city by name, leaving no ambiguity. – Leaders should define roles, boundaries, and expectations just as clearly (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Respect for Individual Identity Within Unity – Benjamin’s towns retain their distinct names, yet they are one inheritance. – Celebrate the unique gifts of each ministry or small group while keeping the larger mission front-and-center (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Intentional Inclusion of Strategic Centers – “Jebus (that is, Jerusalem)” sits at the heart of the list; someday it will become Israel’s capital. – Invest in emerging ministries or people whom God may use mightily in the future (1 Timothy 4:14-15). • Accountability Through Written Records – Joshua records the allotment for posterity, preventing disputes. – Document decisions, budgets, and vision statements to safeguard unity. • Shared Inheritance, Shared Responsibility – Fourteen cities are tied together; none stand alone. – Foster interdependence among teams, reminding them that success or failure is communal (Nehemiah 4:19-20). • Territorial Stewardship, Not Possession – The land belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 25:23); Benjamin is steward, not owner. – All resources—buildings, funds, talents—are God’s. Lead with open hands (1 Peter 4:10). • Fair Distribution Reflects God’s Justice – Each tribe receives according to divine direction, canceling favoritism. – Practice transparency in assigning responsibilities and allocating resources (Acts 6:1-3). Practical Takeaways • Draft a ministry “map” that names every role, project, and overseer. • Highlight and mentor potential future leaders before their “Jerusalem moment” arrives. • Keep written minutes and guidelines accessible to all team members. • Regularly remind the congregation: “This is God’s inheritance, entrusted to us together.” |
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