Numbers 34:16-17;29 (ESV)

Originally published 10/17/2015

God's plan was that every Israelite family would have a permanent place to live and land to provide food. There were thousands of families, and the land was unknown to them. "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying 'These are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance:...'" Numbers 34:16-17 (ESV). Then he proceeds to name the people who are to do this enormous job. "These are the men whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance for the people of Israel in the land of Canaan" Numbers 34:29 (ESV). God did not ask the men if they would. He commanded them to do it, and they did the job, which had to be very difficult, time consuming, and filled with the potential of resentment. When we surrender our lives to Christ, he has the right to command us to do his work, and he expects obedience. Lord, when it comes to my mind that I should do something for you, remind me that it is a command, and I must make it the priority of my day.