Just when you thought it was safe to get over the endless lists of does and don’ts; rule after rule, there is more to the story. Joshua 15-17 discusses the boundaries regarding borders in the “Land Flowing with Milk and Honey.” Each tribe knew their piece of the land. Because God appointed each group to their respective properties, no one could feel resentment against their brothers and sisters in the faith. The only person accountable was not even a person, the Divine Presence. If there was a problem, take it up with your maker.
God’s assignment of proper boundaries prevented wars against brothers and sisters. The people of Israel established themselves as a unified group; one God, one nation. Each tribe knew their places homelands. And as the people settled into the new, beautiful land, a sense of harmony and routine signaled an end to warring and cruelty. At last, the endless wandering in the desert was complete. They were home.
In life, I know what it is like to frantically find my spot and mark the boundaries with which God has blessed me. I bump against this line or that line and wonder why I feel like I continue to wage war. Maybe, if I were to look around at the beauty of my own space, there would be no need to move beyond the boundaries of my private land.
God blessed me with so many things, but I long to have someone else’s toys. This is insane thinking at its finest. Honor God with what you have, not what you think you need. Such thoughts continue to draw me to anger and resentment.
Here the good news! Christ gave us the land. Let’s live into our inheritance and cultivate hearts and souls in the places that we call home. Because we are the sons and daughters of the Most-High God, we share a legacy with one another. We move into our corner of the world and make a difference to all of those in need. Our boundaries provide us space to offer the world our God-given gifts.
From a Pastor's Point of View 