What role does obedience play in receiving God's blessings, as seen in Joshua 19:50? Text Focus – Joshua 19:50 “By the LORD’s command they gave him the city he requested—Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He rebuilt the city and settled there.” Setting the Scene • Joshua has led Israel faithfully from Moses’ death through conquest and land distribution. • Only after every tribe’s inheritance is secured does Joshua receive his own portion. • Scripture highlights that his allotment comes “by the LORD’s command,” underscoring divine approval tied to Joshua’s lifelong obedience. Joshua’s Obedience in Action • Followed God’s Word unflinchingly (Joshua 1:7-9). • Waited until all others were satisfied before taking anything for himself (Joshua 19:49-50). • Accepted exactly what God assigned—no more, no less. How Obedience Unlocked Blessing 1. Alignment with God’s Will – Obedience positions the believer where God’s favor already rests. 2. Divine Endorsement – “By the LORD’s command” shows the blessing originated in God, not personal ambition. 3. Lasting Security – Joshua “rebuilt the city and settled there,” enjoying peace that flowed from doing things God’s way (cf. Proverbs 10:22). Scriptures Echoing the Principle • Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – Blessings “will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God.” • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:23 – “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… My Father will love him.” • James 1:25 – The doer of the Word “will be blessed in what he does.” Key Takeaways for Today • God’s blessings are never detached from His commands. • Patience in obedience often precedes the fulfillment of promise. • True prosperity is the by-product of walking in God’s revealed will, not self-promotion. • Obedience keeps the believer in a place where God delights to give good gifts (Matthew 7:11). |
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