because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance along with his sons. The land of Gilead was allotted to the rest of the people of Manasseh. Joshua 17:6 (ESV)
The law set by Moses concerning daughters being given an inheritance when there are no sons was now fulfilled. Again this point to the fact that women were not to be treated with contempt or like possessions as the Pagan cultures taught.
but the hill country shall be yours, for though it is a forest, you shall clear it and possess it to its farthest borders. For you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.” Joshua 17:18 (ESV)
Pastor Dennis preached a powerful message helping us apply this passage to our lives in Christ some years ago. The Children of Joseph were not content to stay in a lot that was too small for their people, they boldly ask for more.
Joshua turned the request for more back on the people in the form of a challenge and a promise, the challenge was put forward in verse 15, which was to go and make a second plot of land in the wooded hill area to make room for themselves. The promise in this verse is that they will defeat the enemy despite the enemies power.
Today we should take this attitude in our walk with the Lord. Matthew 11:12 says we should take the kingdom by force. We should boldly go to clear the trees (wood speaking of the flesh) and take the land (Gods promises and kingdom). We need to pray and very actively work to advance Gods kingdom as a church and individually, we must avoid the lazy idea of sitting back and leaving it all to God, lets go clear tress and take the land.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 2 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV)
Paul does not boast about the things he has achieved or done well, he instead boasts in his weakness which cause him to rely on the Lord and bring God glory. His critics said his life should be characterised by blessing, but according to Paul’s teaching and life a Christians life is characterised by suffering for Christ and God being glorified in the Christians constant service, witness and perseverance.
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
Like we read in 1 Peter 5:7 we can cast all our cares on the Lord, this bring balance and comfort with todays other readings where we saw our need to take responsibility and work in Joshua and our call to endure hardship in 2 Corinthians
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