July 3, 2023

Does God always give us what we ask for?

Joshua 19

Shane Rasch
Monday's Devo

July 3, 2023

Monday's Devo

July 3, 2023

Monday's Devo

July 3, 2023

Monday's Devo

July 3, 2023

Big Idea

God's definition of success is faithfulness.

Key Verse | Joshua 19:50

By command of the LORD they gave him the city that he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he rebuilt the city and settled in it.

Joshua 19

The Inheritance for Simeon

1 The second lot came out for Simeon, for the tribe of the people of Simeon, according to their clans, and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the people of Judah. 2 And they had for their inheritance Beersheba, Sheba, Moladah, 3 Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem, 4 Eltolad, Bethul, Hormah, 5 Ziklag, Beth-marcaboth, Hazar-susah, 6 Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities with their villages; 7 Ain, Rimmon, Ether, and Ashan—four cities with their villages, 8 together with all the villages around these cities as far as Baalath-beer, Ramah of the Negeb. This was the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Simeon according to their clans. 9 The inheritance of the people of Simeon formed part of the territory of the people of Judah. Because the portion of the people of Judah was too large for them, the people of Simeon obtained an inheritance in the midst of their inheritance.

The Inheritance for Zebulun

10 The third lot came up for the people of Zebulun, according to their clans. And the territory of their inheritance reached as far as Sarid. 11 Then their boundary goes up westward and on to Mareal and touches Dabbesheth, then the brook that is east of Jokneam. 12 From Sarid it goes in the other direction eastward toward the sunrise to the boundary of Chisloth-tabor. From there it goes to Daberath, then up to Japhia. 13 From there it passes along on the east toward the sunrise to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and going on to Rimmon it bends toward Neah, 14 then on the north the boundary turns about to Hannathon, and it ends at the Valley of Iphtahel; 15 and Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem—twelve cities with their villages. 16 This is the inheritance of the people of Zebulun, according to their clans—these cities with their villages.

The Inheritance for Issachar

17 The fourth lot came out for Issachar, for the people of Issachar, according to their clans. 18 Their territory included Jezreel, Chesulloth, Shunem, 19 Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath, 20 Rabbith, Kishion, Ebez, 21 Remeth, En-gannim, En-haddah, Beth-pazzez. 22 The boundary also touches Tabor, Shahazumah, and Beth-shemesh, and its boundary ends at the Jordan—sixteen cities with their villages. 23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Issachar, according to their clans—the cities with their villages.

The Inheritance for Asher

24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the people of Asher according to their clans. 25 Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, 26 Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west it touches Carmel and Shihor-libnath, 27 then it turns eastward, it goes to Beth-dagon, and touches Zebulun and the Valley of Iphtahel northward to Beth-emek and Neiel. Then it continues in the north to Cabul, 28 Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, Kanah, as far as Sidon the Great. 29 Then the boundary turns to Ramah, reaching to the fortified city of Tyre. Then the boundary turns to Hosah, and it ends at the sea; Mahalab, 1 19:29 Compare Septuagint; Hebrew Mehebel Achzib, 30 Ummah, Aphek and Rehob—twenty-two cities with their villages. 31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Asher according to their clans—these cities with their villages.

The Inheritance for Naphtali

32 The sixth lot came out for the people of Naphtali, for the people of Naphtali, according to their clans. 33 And their boundary ran from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, and Adami-nekeb, and Jabneel, as far as Lakkum, and it ended at the Jordan. 34 Then the boundary turns westward to Aznoth-tabor and goes from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun at the south and Asher on the west and Judah on the east at the Jordan. 35 The fortified cities are Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth, 36 Adamah, Ramah, Hazor, 37 Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor, 38 Yiron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—nineteen cities with their villages. 39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Naphtali according to their clans—the cities with their villages.

The Inheritance for Dan

40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the people of Dan, according to their clans. 41 And the territory of its inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, 42 Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah, 43 Elon, Timnah, Ekron, 44 Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath, 45 Jehud, Bene-berak, Gath-rimmon, 46 and Me-jarkon and Rakkon with the territory over against Joppa. 47 When the territory of the people of Dan was lost to them, the people of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and after capturing it and striking it with the sword they took possession of it and settled in it, calling Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their ancestor. 48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the people of Dan, according to their clans—these cities with their villages.

The Inheritance for Joshua

49 When they had finished distributing the several territories of the land as inheritances, the people of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun. 50 By command of the LORD they gave him the city that he asked, Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim. And he rebuilt the city and settled in it.

51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the fathers' houses of the tribes of the people of Israel distributed by lot at Shiloh before the LORD, at the entrance of the tent of meeting. So they finished dividing the land.

Footnotes

[1] 19:29 Compare Septuagint; Hebrew Mehebel

S2:126 Joshua 19

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Joshua 19

Last month, our family stayed after service on Sunday to watch the baptisms. After three little girls shared their testimonies and were baptized, my 21-month-old daughter, Breelyn, sighed and said, "More." Then last week, while playing in the front yard, we spotted a squirrel. It quickly scampered up a tree, causing my daughter to once again look to me and say, "More."

Unfortunately for her, "Dada" is no more able to save a soul than he is to summon a squirrel. My will in the matter means nothing, because those powers belong to the Father alone. Which begs the question - if God is able to do something that one of His children requests, how do we know if He is willing?

Concluding the account of the land distributions in Joshua 19, we see an instance of God answering the request of Joshua. He asked for a specific city, Timnath-Serah, and God commanded that it be given to him. No reason is stated. God simply gives Joshua what he asks for. In this case, God was willing.

The reason may have had something to do with Joshua. The town he requested was within his tribe's allotment (Num 13:8), so he wasn't asking for anything beyond his portion. He was also a faithful servant of the Lord (Exo 33:11, Num 27:18, Num 32:12), and God rewards His servants (Matt 25:21).

It also demonstrates the character and promises of God. As we delight in Him, we can expect to receive from Him (Ps 37:4).  

Jesus builds on this truth when He responds to His disciples' question about prayer. He provides a model of prayer that begins with, "Our Father." As a father, God wants the best for His children. He delights in giving them the desires of their heart. But He also knows what is best for them better than they know themselves.

Does God always give us what we ask for? No. But because we know He is a good Father, we can trust that in whatever way He answers our prayers, it is ultimately for our good and His glory.

This month's memory verse

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

– James 3:17

Discussion Questions

  1. How would you describe your prayer life currently? Do you look forward to and enjoy time spent talking with the Father?
  2. What is your attitude toward intercessory prayer? Are you doubtful that God will answer?
  3. Is there something you have been asking God for that He hasn't given you? Have you brought your feelings of frustration or disappointment to Him? Explain.
  4. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that our "supplications" (asking God for things) should be accompanied by thanksgiving. Spend some time expressing gratitude to God for what He has already given you.

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

Good morning, Shane. Thanks for a great devo on the land allotments. Love your focus on Joshua’s faithful leadership as a servant of God. Q1. My Prayer life? A few epiphanies… -For most of my adult life I felt prayer was transactional. God was the cosmic vending machine. I put in prayer. He put out answers. As you know, this did not play out well. -Late in the process I started reading about life impacts of prayer. I came to the thought, “Well if it impacts the prayor then I guess that’s good whether it’s legit or not.” -As a believer, one of the many benefits of having two unbelieving prodigal children is that you come to the end of yourself quickly. It’s then that prayer gets real. And it was then that God opened my eyes. -Tim Keller’s book “Prayer” was a key eye opener. I came to a basic understanding of the power of prayer. The frequency of Jesus’s prayers got my attention. I started praying with intention. And started seeing God answer my prayers. Sometimes with a yes or no. Often with “wait”. Q2. I know God answers intercessory prayer because He calls me to pray for others. I’m taught that Abraham’s prayer for Sodom is the first intercessory prayer. Oswald Chambers has this to say https://utmost.org/intercessory-prayer/. GQs on prayer https://www.gotquestions.org/search.php?zoom_sort=0&zoom_query=prayer The big example for me is John 17, The High Priestly Prayer. It’s the ultimate prayer because Jesus prays that we might have unity with Our Father. This was His original intent and design in Eden. It’s His plan that we are restored to unity with Him in Heaven. https://www.gotquestions.org/search.php?zoom_sort=0&zoom_query=high+priestly+prayer+ Q3. Unanswered prayer? Lots of it. Other than wait…no answer…yet. I have learned that God will give me what I need when I need it. He won’t give me what I want when I want it. Thank God. My frustrations in prayer of many years ago have become patient expectation with surrendered trust that His answer will be consistent with the kindness of His nature and the goodness of His character as my loving Father. Q4. Consistently expressing gratitude in prayer has been a life changer. It lifts me up out of the daily grind and equips me for the battle, (Ephesians 6:10-20).
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Hall of Fame Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox was noted for never delegating the tasks that were the most difficult, unpleasant and distasteful. He was also noted for unwavering support of his players and fellow coaches. In this, it was very rare for him to lose his temper in talking to them no matter how serious the mistake or error. In return, they gave him maximum effort and played as a solid unit. His teams won 14 division titles in a row; a feat never accomplished by any other professional sports team. I’d think the same is true of college sports but I don’t that for a fact. One of the great lessons God gives me in Scripture is His design for leadership. And what is NOT His design for leadership. Jesus is the best example. Others are Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. Saul is a good example of what a good leader is not. As is Ahab. Most of the Kings after Solomon are terrible, including his own sons. A learned friend recently pointed out his own learning that a leader has two choices. #1- servant leader, shepherd, loving father #2- intimidator, control freak, criticizer, micromanager. In these readings I am most focused on Joshua and Caleb who represent leader #1 -Only after all allotments do they ask to for/expect their inheritance God promised and they prayed for. -All other matters come first as they are the commands of God. -They serve their “flock” in every small way. -They respond in candor, honesty, and kindness. -Lastly, they live out their own example. Clearly, they see themselves as servants of God. God clearly tells me in the Decalogue that the key point of focus for me is to be my relationships; vertically with Him and horizontally with others. Jesus restates - The Great Commandment- Matthew 22:34-40 Moses, Joshua, and Caleb see this. I must know God to love Him and obey Him. AND I must know those closest to me, family, work team, church team etc. Only then am I able to see them as God does and love them as He does. Joshua and Caleb are truly the servant leaders of their people. Luke 9:23 is a favorite verse. This leadership model has a circular element- God blesses the obedient leader who blesses the obedient people. The obedient people, in turn, bless the obedient leader in their obedience. This Godly designed process brings the leader and the people to praise God as the source of all blessing. https://www.gotquestions.org/doxology.html
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Constable edifies - "It will be remembered that when Ephraim had complained, Joshua had charged them to go to the mountains and possess their possessions [17:14-15]. Now when his opportunity came, he proved that he was prepared to act for himself on the advice he had given. To that very hill country he went, and there is a splended [sic splendid] ring of resoluteness in his character in the statement, 'He built the city, and dwelt therein [19:50].'" "Caleb and Joshua were the two faithful spies who believed God was able to give Israel the land (Num 14:6- 9, 30). The receiving of their inheritances frames the story of the dividing of the land among the nine and a half tribes, with Caleb's at the beginning [14:6-15] and Joshua's at the end. Caleb and Joshua are living examples of God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promises made more than forty years earlier." "The gift of the land brought blessings not only to the nation as a whole and to the individual tribes. It also brought blessing to the faithful leader. God commanded Israel to reward the individual for his faithfulness. Thus the Deuteronomic understanding of blessing and curse is expressed not only on the corporate, but also on the individual level. This, too, stands as a source of encouragement to Israel through the years as many of her people become dispersed from the main body of the people of God."[343]
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Jos 19:1-51 The Allotments of the 12 Tribes: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/12_Tribes_of_Israel_Map.svg/2168px-12_Tribes_of_Israel_Map.svg.png Re: Jos 19:9 Jos 19:9 (NASB) >>>The inheritance of the sons of Simeon was taken from the portion of the sons of Judah<<<, for the share of the sons of Judah was too large for them; >>>so the sons of Simeon received an inheritance in the midst of Judah's inheritance.<<< See Gen 49:7 Re: Jos 19:15 Jos 19:15 (NASB) Included also were Kattah and Nahalal and Shimron and Idalah and >>>Bethlehem<<<; twelve cities with their villages. NOT the Bethlehem of Messiah’s birth. Re: Jos 19:47 Jos 19:47 (NIV) (But >>>the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory, so they went up and attacked Leshem, took it, put it to the sword and occupied it. They settled in Leshem and named it Dan<<< after their forefather.) See Jdg 18:1-30; Map of Dan’s move: https://www.neverthirsty.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/tribe-of-dan-moved-north.jpg Dan eventually became the first tribe to fall into idolatry. (Jdg 18:30)
MS

Michael Scaman

Eaton Bible Dictionary says about Timnah Serah "Of all sites I have seen," says Lieut. Col. Conder, "none is so striking as that of Joshua's home, surrounded as it is with deep valleys and wild, rugged hills." It probably appealed to a military person for safety and was quite nice to look at. Images of the area https://www.biblewalks.com/Photos198/Tibneh19.jpg and a flyover :) https://youtu.be/cKSyGKQAdSw The ark would be in Shiloh north of Judah. The temple would be in Jerusalem but not known at the time. One of the idolatrous temples Rehoboam made would be near Judah and in Bethel. (ironically meaning 'the house of God' by name Dan was near both the Philistines (later the romans would name the whole region Palastine - the land of the Phillistines as an insult0 and Judah but fell into idolatry although in close proximity to the real temple and even though it was the tribe of Samson Simeon would be just south of Judah, Dan and Benjamin just north. Ephraim would become synonymous with the northern Kingdom Manassah has a disaster at the end of Judges and went from largest to smallest.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Good, but I still need to work on journaling things. Yes, because it helps you think about what”s gone on, what’s going on, and what’s ahead. It also helps you think about how and if you are using God’s values in your day. 2. I understand intercessory prayer to be praying for others. This is good because it helps people share with each other, and it helps people when they are struggling. It also helps people learn more about God. I am confident God will answer these prayers with the same effort He answers all prayers. 3. No, God is pretty good. Yes, I wanted a new job and I got one. 4. God, thank you for fireworks and celebrations on the 4th of July. Thank you for encouraging people to celebrate our country and themselves. Amen.