Day 15

Joshua 12-14

PLENTY TO DO

There remains very much…to be possessed – Josh. 13:1

            Joshua served the Lord as long as he had strength to do it.  I believe that’s God’s way.  When he was advanced in years the Lord said to him, there remains very much land yet to be possessed.  Retirement wasn’t a part of Joshua’s employee benefits.  He continued to lead Israel until the day he died.  There was always plenty to keep Joshua busy.  God’s part was to drive out the enemy.  Joshua’s was to divide the inheritance.  That’s our forever task – Conquer and divide.

            One of the blessings of the Christian life is that there is always plenty to do.  We’re always dealing with enemy and inheritance issues.  What we avoid at first we appreciate at last.  I left the ministry one time because I was tired of the battle.  I returned because I missed the struggle.  After preparing for my new career, I traded it in for my calling.  Once I got over my terminal uniqueness I was fine – nothing that a strong dose of disillusionment couldn’t cure.  God’s callings have their challenges.  It’s an illusion to think they don’t.

            I was invited to a couple’s home one time to discuss their life after the husband’s retirement.  Rather than cash in on their deserved leisure, they explored the possibilities of ministry and missions with their new freedoms.  I have two missionary friends who each retired from his own church at age 67 and took off to China and Africa respectively to reap in the harvest of world evangelism.  How do you like that trade?  Security for souls!  There remains very land yet to be possessed.

            There remains very much no matter how old or young we are.  What God does He does through people.  God is looking for people of all ages, color and rank to “possess the land.”  God will drive out the enemy (6), if you will claim the inheritance (7).

Advancing in years,