S) "9 The inheritance of the sons of Simeon was taken from the portion of the sons of Judah, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; so the sons of Simeon received an inheritance in the midst of Judah’s inheritance."
Joshua 19:9 (NASB)
O) Judah's inheritance, their land, was not assigned by lot, but they had previously claimed it. As 4 of the other tribes had already settled where they wanted, there were 7 tribes who had not received an inheritance, yet. So, Joshua sent out surveyors and, apparently, they observed that Judah had claimed more than they could handle. Considering some of the warnings and fears about the Promised Land, I wonder how the sons of Judah felt about having parts of their land redistributed. I can imagine how I'd feel.
A) There are a few things that make me immediately think of my dad. One of them is vanilla ice cream cones from McDonald's. I'm not sure how, or why, but whenever I think of them, I think of my dad. Generally speaking, that's with fondness, but then I also remember with some amount of childish disappointment, how my dad would ask a dreaded question, "Do you need help with that?" Part of the reason I didn't like that question, is because I didn't understand what a rhetorical question was. See, he'd ask, but it didn't really matter what my answer was. Him asking that question meant one thing, I had to relinquish my ice cream cone to him, and he was going to take some of it. Now that I'm a father, I will concede, there were probably times that I really did need that help. I have seen ice cream melt and drip straight down the knuckles of my own child. Not only did that upset me as a person responsible for cleaning them, it upset me as a person who doesn't want to see ice cream go to waste; this is much like my own dad.
When it comes to the things of God, and more important things than ice cream, I think I have seen this happen in my own life. To use a specific example, I believe God opened doors and answered my prayers so I could move into an apartment. After some time, though, it became fairly apparent that moving into that apartment was a territory too expensive for my family. Thankfully, God provided a way to move out, after some months, and He was (as He always is) faithful to provide for us throughout the experience. It's hard to know if it can simply be called a mistake, though. It certainly seemed like providence at the time we moved into it. In the end, maybe it was like Judah. At the time of this example, my wife and I could clearly see that the territory we had claimed was overwhelming us. I don't think I'm always so clear-sighted, though. I need to be humble and remember that God always treats me with favor, whether or not I recognize it for what it is. If He takes something away from me, or takes me away from something, I need to submit that it is good.
P) Father, as an adult, I can easily see that ice cream is trivial. I think, though, that from Your perspective, the apartment I have might also be trivial. Let me remember, and humble myself, to know that You are good in all that You do. If I need to let something go, whether it's into the hands of another, or simply to let it go altogether; whether it's something physical, or just an idea of something, I will choose obedience and submission to Your will, LORD. I am unable to judge what is good for me and my family. Speak to me, open my eyes to see, and my ears to hear, so that I can choose obedience and the blessings You have for me. You are good when You add. You are good when You take away. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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