Something Said
Joshua 21:1-3 KJV(1) Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;(2) And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.(3) And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of saying something. I wonder how long it took for these guys before they decided to do more than just fret and stew over things not getting done according to the way they were promised. They saw everyone else getting whole portions of land for their inheritance and although a promise had been made, there was nothing forthcoming- definitely the time for some justified whining. After all, wasn’t it they who made it possible for all of the rest of the tribes to occupy any of the lands? If it wasn’t for the temple and the glory of God to which they attended, there would be no occupying anything. Obviously this was a pretty major oversight, something that was most disqualifying of the leadership. Actually, it could have been enough to just say, hey, we’re out of here.
Or maybe there just wasn’t any of this. Could it really be that maybe it was simply handled in a mature and loving way? It actually does look like this is was happened, because what could have turned into an ugly situation was simply and quickly resolved with all the tribes immediately agreeing to provide the Levites with enough cities to meet all their needs and that of their cattle. Though there was a possible ‘unfairness’ going on and though it was reason for contention, by simply bringing it to light without emotional frustration there was a resolution that was positive for both the Levites and their brother tribes.
Promises have been made and quite often it may appear that there is an ‘unfairness’ going on, that everyone else is getting theirs and someone’s getting left out. Rather than a potential rift and division resulting and instead of irritation and moaning and groaning going on, maybe it’s just that something needs to be said, apart from any volatility or angry accusation. Possibly a simple presentation to the leadership will bring about a resolution that will be positive for everyone. There is great potential in the moment, both for bad and for good. The difference will completely ride on the choice for mature and loving presentation of the situation or internalized festering of a very healable wound.
May this day be filled with things being said to the One who has the answer, the One who actually made the promise in the first place. And, as His ear is filled with our peace driven presentation, may there be a boldness to bring exposition to other relationships in like manner, completely averting conflicts through the wisdom of the Spirit. There are cities to be lived in and life to be enjoyed far removed from the potential ‘tribal wars’ that are easily averted.
2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV(20) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV(1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Hebrews 6:11-12 KJV(11) And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:(12) That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV(3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:(4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.