A Man for All Seasons

Reading: Joshua 12 and 13

You’re probably wondering, after reading this scripture, what significance all these 31 named kings have to your life and the challenges you face as you seek to advance in this new season.

The story paints a clear picture: Israel needed to defeat all 31 kings in order to take all the territory—the full inheritance the LORD had promised for Israel.

In our own lives, we have a great inheritance from the LORD. But it is unlikely we will simply take it without going to war with opposing forces. This will take place through prayer, seeking the LORD’s strategies, being obedient to Him, and removing them one by one. As each stronghold in our lives—each fear, each area of unbelief, each sin—is defeated, we will possess all our inheritance. And we should tell people about each of the tyrants the LORD helped us gain victory over through His power and might.

In chapter 13, it appears that some time had passed since Joshua took possession of most of the Promised Land. The once valiant Joshua is now described by the LORD as being very old:

"When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, 'You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over.’" Joshua 13.1 NIV

The strategy was changing—there was more work to do, but a strategic transition would be required. Just as seen in nature, each season has its own type of labour and fruit; we must adjust to the season to finish the task. In our lives, when we follow the LORD, we don’t have the luxury of thinking we’ve done all our growing as followers of Jesus, conquered every dark corner of our lives, and fully arrived. LORD, forgive us when we’ve thought that! Rather, whether we’re old in years or mature as followers of Jesus, let us fervently ask the LORD what areas remain needing to be conquered now.

Meditation

1. Are we ready to fight and confront what currently prevents us from entering into the inheritance the LORD has for us?

2. LORD, what land do You want me to take in this season of my life, and how might the strategy for achieving that differ from the methods used in the past?

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for the revelation that, for me to enter into all the blessings You have for me, there must be an uprooting of kings and tyrants that are literally sitting on my blessing.

Lord, I pray that You would clearly, step by step, reveal every area that needs to be removed so I can possess all the territory You intend for me to have. However, Lord, I don’t want to be so proud as to think I've fully arrived or am already perfect. There are still clearly areas in my life I’m not proud of—areas where I need victory in this season. Help me to walk in humility and with a teachable spirit. I ask this in the name of Jesus the King, Amen.

True Wisdom

Reading: Joshua 14

We see Caleb and his friends coming to see Joshua. Caleb, now in his 85th year, declares that the Lord has kept him alive all this time—through desert and battles—just as He said He would. He states that he’s still as strong as he was when he was in his 40s, and so he asks to go out to battle to possess the hill country.

Why did the mighty old warrior come to Joshua to ask if he could take possession of the hill country? Couldn’t he just go and take it?

I think perhaps Caleb knew there was a means of coming under God’s authority in order to find blessing. Caleb wanted Joshua’s blessing as well as the LORD’s. Wise people obey God and men (that is, godly leaders).

Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly and therefore gained this inheritance for himself and his descendants. David served long and faithfully, yet because of “blood on his hands”, could not build the temple. Moses led the people so well for so long, yet because of disobedience could not enter the Promised Land. But Caleb—this is a different story—not only did he begin, he finished with the blessing of God on his life and work. May God grant us all the favour and good spirit of Caleb. How people finish is often the only thing people ever remember, so let’s make sure we finish well.

Furthermore, Caleb left a lasting legacy; his daughter and son-in-law, Othniel, became mighty leaders and rulers in their own right.

Meditation

1. Caleb shows great intergenerational wisdom here. He does not abuse his age or longevity; rather, he honours Joshua and seeks permission from him. How can you honour godly authority and receive a blessing?

2. Is it easier or harder to maintain levels of faith as you get older? How did Caleb maintain such levels of faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for all You have done in my life. I can count so many memories of You growing me and the things I have done through Your empowerment. Lord, I pray that in this season these areas will come under Your complete reign. Finish the great work You have started in me, I pray, Amen.