Complete Faith is Patient

Scripture: When they had finished dividing the land into its allotted portions, the Israelites gave Joshua son of Nun an inheritance among them, as the Lord had commanded. They gave him the town he asked for—Timnath Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he built up the town and settled there. Joshua 19:49-50

Observation: While the tribes of Israel all get an allotment of the land, two individuals received a personal allotment - Joshua and Caleb. This is their reward for being the only two spies back 40+ years ago who were willing to trust God and enter the promised land when they first went their after the exodus.

However, there is a difference in how the get their allotment. When the tribes first start preparing to allocate the land, Caleb comes forward and insists on his reward. It is granted and thus he is the first to receive an allotment. By contrast, Joshua waits until every tribe has their rewarded land, and then selects a location for himself. In both cases - whether first or last - Joshua and Caleb get their selected venue at which to build a town for themselves.

Application: The contrast between Joshua and Caleb is interesting. Both get what they ask for, but Caleb almost argues for his reward while Joshua simply waits and then gets his reward. They were both men of faith in God as evidenced by the fact they were the spies willing to trust God. However, Caleb clearly didn't trust his fellow Israelites to honor God's promises, while Joshua did (or at least had little choice given his leadership position).

Faith in God and faith in mankind are very different things. However, true faith in God means we understand God can provide despite mankind's lack of trustworthiness.

As I proceed daily - seeking to walk humbly with my God - I come upon very untrustworthy people. These are people of deception, anger, and arrogance. I need to trust that their actions will not be the final word when it comes to my service to God. I am under God's direction, and he will make straight my paths despite the human obstacles.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your provision and your love. Please forgive me of my failings, for my times of lack of trust, of sinful thoughts, or of anger-filled emotions. Fill me with your spirit today so I may have patience and gentleness toward others, regardless of their actions and response toward me. And praise be the name of Jesus my Lord and savior. Amen.