Making Our Faith Work
Joshua 17.14-18
Last week we looked at Caleb. He was determined and vigorous. In his old age he went in and took the land promised to him. He kept the faith and finished well.
With the tribe of Ephraim and the half tribe of Mannasah we see the other end of the spectrum. They demonstrate how Spiritual sloth or laziness is to be guarded against in our lives.
It is interesting that It was the descendants of Joseph had this problem. They seemed to have wanted the land handed to them without work.
Be careful not to take God's promises or His blessings as a substitute for doing your part. So often people want the benefits without following directions. This is human nature. People love the prophecies spoken over them but as far as personal responsibilities go, they take a far second. Within blessings come responsibility.
They were proud about their numerical size. At the census in Numbers they outnumbered every tribe except Judah. Sometimes it is better if you do not know these things. Numbering can create problems like overestimating our own importance, thinking we are privilege or allowing pride to replace faith.
They were blessed. Jacob had adopted them as his own and gave them a special blessing from the LORD (Genesis 48). Joseph had kept the family alive during the famine and his descendants reaped the benefits. The area given to Ephraim was a fertile and beautiful one, one of the most desirable in all the land. The richest lands have the strongest foes. The LORD is able to empower His people to conquer them all.
There were 2 possibilities presented by Joshua when they said that they needed more land.
1. Clear the forest.
That is work.
Mr. Goulden's land upstate. Lots of work. Sweaty, hard, difficult, back breaking work. My Dad's garden, clearing it of stones when they moved there.
2. Drive the Canaanites out.
They were tough... already concessions were being made contrary to God's Word.
Their complaint, "We are too big for this little piece of land."
They were descendants of Joseph, Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim. Pride had come in. Joshua basically was saying, "Put your money where your mouth is."v.15
They were large in numbers and small in courage. Sometimes it goes opposite. Galveston, Texas fire years ago. Out of control. Little FD from small towns showed up to help. Little company came up went right through the lines and up to the fire. The men jumped out, began to hose the fire, got under control, saved a great portion of the city. Celebration and presentation of a gift from the mayor of Galveston.
The had strong men, stalwart. Yet the little tribe of Benjamin possessed more land in proportional obedience than them.
They blamed Joshua when they themselves were at fault. Another symptom of pride. The most courageous words are often, "I was wrong. You are right."
The real problem was that they had not possessed the land God had given them. They were resting on the fact they were Joseph's ancestors. Lots of complaining but not much conquering. Too much talk diminishes progress.
They were saying, " I am worth much more than I am being treated."
1. We need to "possess" what the LORD gives us. verses 14-15
Talents developed.
Treasures invested.
Time redeemed.
No excuses! Unfortunately they offered up several.
Complaints and excuses are twins. Thy complained and never got on to the work. They wanted more land but did not want to make the most of the opportunity given. They wanted to take property of others in the nation rather than be productive themselves. Looking for God to profit us with no effort on our part. This was greed and grumbling, again often twins!
We must guard against the failure of faith and works. We live in one of the most unchurched areas of the country. In a place that had more millionaires than Beverly Hills, more population than 19 states! Long Island is our mission field
There is also the issue of favoritism here. This was Joshua's own tribe! They seemed to be expecting a special favor from him. I love it when a child or relative of a leader is around and they are working hard for the kingdom.
The church is like Joseph's descendants. We have work before us. True we are highly treasured by the LORD. This did not exempt them from work.
We are in a spiritual battle. Jesus gives us the encouragement of telling us the end result. We will reign with Him!!!
2. Be faithful where you are. Stop crying for greater opportunities until you have done everything God is asking you to do in the place where you are. verse 16
Serve faithfully.
Give generously.
Think humbly.
With love binding them all together.
3. Put an axe to forests. Drive out the enemy. verses 17-18
The Jezreel Valley is the Valley of Armageddon. This is also called "The Bread Basket of Israel". Wheat, sunflower and corn are grown there today. It was a portion of land that would have greatly benefited the descendants of Joseph but their excuses kept them from taking it.
Act decisively.
Trust the LORD exclusively. Proverbs 3.5-6
Finish well. II Timothy 4.6-8
The Greatest in the kingdom is the servant of all. Matthew 23.11
No weapon can prosper against those who belong to Jesus. These people had to be exterminated due to the attractiveness if their sins and to their own depravity.
Not a great deal of eternal things take place for eternity apart from Body of Christ. It takes energy and earnestness accomplish things for Jesus Christ. Ephraim needed to do this by himself.
Putting our faith to work is not easy. It is work. It takes mental, spiritual and physical effort. If we can "settle" for things we often will. Let's not do that! Let's not shrink back! Let's go in and take what God has given us!
We have to decide what we are going to do with the time we have been given.
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