by Josh Moody Today’s Bible Reading: Joshua 18-19, Psalm 78:40-72, Mark 3:1-19, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Joshua 18-19: The land was subdued before the Israelites—in the sense of them being the dominant military presence, but not in the sense of entire and total conquest. For, there are still some whose lands have not even been apportioned (18:2), and they are encouraged to map out the land and bring back the description to Joshua, who will then apportion and allot the land as inheritance (18:3-10). The inheritance is therefore apportioned through these chapters (18:11-19:48), including the land for Joshua (19:49-51). As God has commanded, Joshua is given the city that he requested, and he rebuilds it and settles there. One of the great lies is that following God is not good for you, that God does not give us apportioned blessing and inheritance. But throughout the Bible, while following God does and can and will lead to opposition, even persecution at times, there is enormous blessing and indeed inheritance. This “life” (as John’s Gospel calls it) is “abundant life” (John 10:10) now and forever, the life of the ages into this present experience that burst through death by the power of the risen Christ into eternity. As you read this list of allotments and allocations, realize that if you follow Jesus, your inheritance is greater by far.

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:15-17)