Read Joshua 20-21
Joshua
20 describes the cities of refuge set apart by God. If any person
unintentionally killed another, they could flee to a city of refuge. In this
city, they would receive protection from anyone seeking to kill them because of
their accident. This is a perfect example of how God’s justice surpasses our
own. While He had already set apart laws and consequences, God knew people
would still be tempted to take justice into their own hands. God set apart
these cities to protect the innocent from wrongful death. Further, he allowed
both Israelites and foreigners to enter this protection. God’s perfect justice extends
to every nationality!
Joshua
21 recounts the how God set apart cities for the Levites. God was their
inheritance, so the Levites did not receive a land allocation as the other
tribes did. However, He also cared about their practical needs (Matthew
6:31-33). He knew that the Levites would need places to live and land to grow
food. He had promised them cities and pastureland through Moses (21:2, Numbers
32:5-8). So here we see lots cast to distribute cities to the Levites,
fulfilling God’s promise.
Prayer
and Journaling
1. Thank God for His justice. Ask Him how you
can rely on His justice more. Ask Him to show you how you can let go of the
need to fight for yourself and instead trust Him more fully.
2. Re-read 21:43-45. This is the reason why
God included such detailed lists in Joshua. They serve as evidence of His
faithfulness. Think back over how you read Joshua 12-21. Were there any times
when you skimmed, not trusting the goodness of these passages? If so, confess
it to God, knowing He forgives. He is patient with us as we learn to study His
Word! Reflect on 21:43-45. Ask God what He wants to say to you through these
verses.
3. While God had promised the Levites cities
and pastureland, the Levites had to take action to make this happen (21:1-3).
Look back over your prayer assignment from days fourteen and fifteen of this
devotional. If you have been faithfully praying for this area, thank God for
giving you grace to persevere! If you have struggled to continue, confess this
and receive God’s forgiveness. One of the primary ways God has us “take action”
in His kingdom is through prayer. Ask God how you can pray for this area today,
then spend time interceding.
