What role does obedience play in receiving God's promises, as seen in Joshua 19:40? Setting the Scene—Israel at Shiloh • “The seventh lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Dan.” (Joshua 19:40) • The casting of lots was God’s chosen means (Numbers 26:55) to parcel out land He had already promised to Abraham (Genesis 15:18). • Every allotment declared, “The LORD keeps His word—down to each tribe, each border, each family.” What Obedience Meant for Dan • Receiving the lot was only the first step; they still had to occupy it (Joshua 18:3). • God’s command was clear: drive out the remaining Canaanites (Exodus 23:31-33). • Dan hesitated. Judges 1:34 records, “The Amorites forced the Danites back into the hill country.” Partial obedience left them land-poor and spiritually vulnerable. • Years later the tribe migrated north and took Laish (Judges 18), settling for second-best because they had not fully obeyed in their original inheritance. Obedience—The Key to Possession • God’s promises are certain; our enjoyment of them hinges on obedience. – Deuteronomy 28:1-2: “If you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God…all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you.” – Joshua 1:8-9: success follows careful observance of God’s Law. • Obedience is active faith: trusting God enough to act on His word (Hebrews 11:8). • Partial obedience yields partial blessing; delayed obedience risks forfeiture (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Timeless Takeaways • Promises are inherited, not merely admired (Hebrews 6:12). • God hands us the title deed; obedience turns the key, opening the door to lived reality. • Compromise today can limit tomorrow’s fruitfulness—just as Dan’s reluctance echoed through generations. • Wholehearted obedience brings the fullness of what God intends (John 14:15; James 1:22-25). Living It Out • Identify the “lots” God has already assigned—salvation, spiritual gifts, daily guidance (2 Peter 1:3-4). • Move in and possess them through: – Daily attention to Scripture. – Prompt, complete response to the Spirit’s leading. – Courage to push past opposition, confident that God’s promise stands. • Celebrate every instance where obedience lets you taste the goodness God has laid out—just as the land was literally laid out before Dan. |
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