Compare the Levites' inheritance in Joshua 21:21 with our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Setting the scene Joshua 21 records the distribution of forty-eight cities to the Levites. Verse 21 highlights one allotment: “They were given Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, in the hill country of Ephraim, together with its pasturelands, as well as Gezer and its pasturelands.” (Joshua 21:21) The Levites’ earthly inheritance • No tribal territory of their own (Numbers 18:20) • Scattered cities within every tribe—constant proximity to the people they served • Shechem: a “city of refuge,” symbolizing mercy and protection • Pasturelands surrounding each city—daily provision for their households and flocks • Above all, “the Lord is their inheritance” (Deuteronomy 18:2)—their provision, identity, and security were found in Him rather than in land deeds Our spiritual inheritance in Christ • Chosen “in Him…to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11) • An “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4) • The Holy Spirit is “the guarantee of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14), assuring present fellowship and future fulfillment • We are “heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), sharing His kingdom privileges • Daily provision as members of a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), entrusted with ministry amid every “tribe” and community Points of comparison • Location – Levites: physical cities sprinkled through Israel – Believers: spiritual placement “in Christ” yet scattered worldwide as His witnesses (Acts 1:8) • Security – City of refuge sheltered the fugitive; its gates never closed – Christ Himself is our refuge (Hebrews 6:18), offering permanent, blood-purchased safety • Provision – Pasturelands met tangible needs – “Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) satisfies heart and soul • Service – Levites taught the Law and led worship (2 Chronicles 35:3) – We minister reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) and offer spiritual sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15) • Possession – Levites possessed no tribal territory yet lacked nothing; God was enough – Believers often seem to hold little in this world, yet we possess “all things” in Him (2 Corinthians 6:10) Practical takeaways • Find your identity in the Lord, not in earthly assets • Live as a “city of refuge,” extending grace to the guilty • Recognize that scattering is missional—God positions His people where they are most needed • Draw daily on the riches of your inheritance: forgiveness, fellowship, future glory Closing reflection The Levites’ allotment in Joshua 21:21 whispers of a richer reality. As they received cities and pasturelands while God Himself was their true portion, so every believer enjoys a present place of refuge in Christ and an eternal inheritance that can never be taken away. |
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