We have started our new L.I.F.E. Lessons Bible Study, and I have decided to bring the contents of our study into our devotional time, as well. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I Do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
In our passage for today, we will continue with chapter 1; our focus is “God, What Do I Do with What You’ve Given Me?”
We have been entrusted with so many gifts from God: promises, position, possessions, and people. As well, based on God’s covenant with Abraham, we have been given time, talents, and treasures to offer God during our lifetimes. As Abraham’s descendants of faith, we have received the Promised Land [symbolic of a state of rest, spiritual peace, and an eternal destination], the ability to multiply the people of faith, as well as bless the world around us. We must decide how we will use our gifts, because believers have been given territory from God to enter, possess, and faithfully steward. Will we seek to use these good gifts in ways that honor God?
This morning, we look at courageous Caleb, who was born into slavery in Egypt and experienced the Exodus and the Wilderness. His character was forged through adversity, yet instead of becoming bitter, he grew stronger. Perhaps you remember that Joshua and Caleb were two of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout out the Promised Land. They were the only two who returned with energized faith and saw a favorable outcome.
God promised Caleb something, but before he could lay hold of the divine promise, a battle was required. This battle would strengthen and prepare Caleb to steward the promise of God. As we seek to steward God’s promise to us, we will face different battles in order to strengthen and prepare us to handle the challenges, blessings, and to take responsibility of what is being entrusted to us by God. Age is not a factor, because Caleb was 85 y/o when his promise was fulfilled. To be successful, Caleb had to learn how to responsibly delegate and how to operate in supernatural wisdom. May God help us!
Judges 1:12-20 NLT
12 Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher.” 13 Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel’s wife.
14 When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What’s the matter?”
15 She said, “Let me have another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
16 When the tribe of Judah left Jericho—the city of palms—the Kenites, who were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, traveled with them into the wilderness of Judah. They settled among the people there, near the town of Arad in the Negev.
17 Then Judah joined with Simeon to fight against the Canaanites living in Zephath, and they completely destroyed [consecrated/offering to God] the town. So the town was named Hormah [destruction]. 18 In addition, Judah captured the towns of Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron, along with their surrounding territories.
Israel Fails to Conquer the Land
19 The Lord was with the people of Judah, and they took possession of the hill country. But they failed to drive out the people living in the plains, who had iron chariots. 20 The town of Hebron was given to Caleb as Moses had promised. And Caleb drove out the people living there, who were descendants of the three sons of Anak.
The Canaanites worshiped foreign gods and trusted in their “iron chariots” to protect them. When the tribes of Judah and Simeon saw these “iron chariots,” they saw their foe as having superior fighting power. They took their gaze from the assured promise of God to bring them victory and, instead, stepped away from their faith mission. Their disobedience would impact the other tribes.
What if the “iron chariots” we construct to defend ourselves end up being an obstruction to experiencing complete restoration? What “iron chariots” are you coming up against in your allotted territory?
Truth: When you aren’t sure what to do with what you’ve been given, decide to obey the Lord by faithfully stewarding the people, position, and place He has entrusted to you.
Prayer: Lord, we confess our focus can easily shift to the power of “iron chariots” before us, rather than remembering You are all-powerful and Your promise to bring us victory is assured. You are more than capable of making us successful in whatever You send us to be and do. Help us identify what may be hindering our ability to fully possess what is rightfully ours as Your children. In Jesus’ name. Amen.