Today's Reading: Joshua 13

Yahweh Our Inheritance

As Joshua divides the land amongst the tribes of Israel, we read that he gave no allotment to the tribe of Levi - for the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised that He Himself would be their allotment.  In the original Hebrew this reads, “Yahweh Elohim-of Ishral” is their allotment (or portion).  This was not a "gag gift" or a "booby...

prize."  This was the greatest allotment of all.  The Levites were not to receive the deed to land, but rather the unique and incredible opportunity of fellowship and service to God, Himself.  This was their prize.

The Bible is full of references to the inheritance believers have in Christ. Ephesians 1:11 says, "In [Christ] we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." Like the Levites, our inheritance is not something physical or material.  You can’t touch it.  Our inheritance is far greater than anything of this material world.  Our inheritance is Christ.  According to the Apostle Peter, we have been born again "into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:4)

One day, we will take possession of our portion, our heritage, our full inheritance. We do not have the full enjoyment of it at present.  But we walk in hope of our eternal inheritance, knowing that one day our true heritage will be realized.  The same God who was the allotment of the Levites - Yahweh Elohim-of Ishral – is our future inheritance.  And there is nothing greater than the opportunity to spend eternity with the God of Light and Love.

Revelation 21 gives us a brief but beautiful glimpse of our future inheritance: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  Amazing!  God will be with us.  We will be with Him. He is our portion.  He is our prize!

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)