Why is it important to "describe the land" in our spiritual journey? The Context: Israel at Shiloh “So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, ‘How long will you delay going in to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you? Appoint three men from each tribe. I will send them out, and they shall rise up, go through the land, and describe it according to their inheritance; then they shall return to me.’” Why Joshua Told Them to Describe the Land • To move from vague promise to concrete possession • To ensure every tribe understood its inheritance and boundaries • To turn faith-filled expectation into action-ready planning Connecting the Command to Our Journey 1. Vision Needs Definition • Habakkuk 2:2—“Write down the vision; make it plain on tablets.” • Until we can “describe the land” God sets before us—calling, ministry, family life—we’re tempted to wander aimlessly. 2. Faith Grows Through Specifics • Joshua 1:3—“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads I have given you.” • Naming the territory (goals, areas of growth, promised victories) turns an abstract hope into a faith target. 3. Boundaries Protect Unity • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • When Israel mapped the land, disputes lessened. In churches, small groups, and families, clear roles and expectations prevent turf wars. 4. Assessment Precedes Advancement • Luke 14:28—“Which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost?” • A candid look at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats lets us partner wisely with God’s provision. 5. Gratitude Is Anchored in Reality • Numbers 13:27—“We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed it is flowing with milk and honey.” • Cataloging blessings—in health, relationships, resources—fuels worship and wards off complaining. 6. Inheritance Becomes Legacy • Psalm 78:5—“He established a testimony in Jacob…that they should teach them to their children.” • A described land can be passed on; an undefined dream dies with the dreamer. Documenting God’s work today equips the next generation tomorrow. Practical Ways to “Describe the Land” Today • Journal victories, answered prayers, and emerging burdens. • Draft a personal mission statement rooted in Scripture. • Map out spiritual goals—Scripture memory, evangelism, service—and date them. • Identify your “territory” (workplace, neighborhood, online spaces) and pray over it by name. The Payoff: Courage to Occupy When Israel finally saw the survey results, they were ready to divide, settle, and thrive. Likewise, a believer who describes the land moves from wishing to witnessing—stepping boldly into every square inch God has promised. |
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