Joshua 22:1-9

Seven years earlier, before the conquests in the Promised Land, Moses gave land east of the Jordan to the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, but they had to promise to first to carry out the mission of the LORD. (Joshua 22:3)  All these years these tribes were faithful to Moses, Joshua and the LORD.  Now the mission was accomplished and it was time to claim their rightful inheritance.

“Return to your homes with your great wealth—with large herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze and iron, and a great quantity of clothing—and divide with your brothers the plunder from your enemies.” (Joshua 22:8 NIV)

The Message Bible puts it this way, "All this time and right down to this very day you have not abandoned your brothers; you've shouldered the task laid on you by GOD, your God."   This verse reminds of the line in Scripture we all long to one day hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)

This is the period in one's life when we look back at everything that has happened to bring us to this turning point and decide it is time to flip to a new page in our book, to begin the next chapter.  I am drawn to compare it to a retirement of sorts.  The battles fought in the early portion of life, which required physical stamina have been won.  It is now time to claim the prize; a bit of rest and relaxation or, at least opportunity to work for ourselves.  It is the season when dreams are followed and passions pursued.

Now, granted, it doesn't always work out the way we planned  it.  Often it looks very different than our dreams portrayed, but it is another season, another opportunity to serve God and man. Next we will see how this turns out; any guess?

Read Joshua 22:1-9 here

Listen to Joshua 22:1-9 here