Joshua 14-17; Luke 17
Dividing the land according to God's instructions, Joshua allocated it into 12 portions. Although the tribe of Levi did not receive land, two of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, received portions instead, with their descendants becoming independent groups on par with Jacob's sons (Joshua 14:4).
Despite his advanced age, Caleb remained strong and bold. He confidently requested the territory inhabited by powerful people with fortified cities, believing that the Lord could show him mercy and enable him to drive out these inhabitants (Joshua 14:7-13). If there is faith, it strengthens with age and trials. Caleb was one of the two spies who did not doubt that the Lord would give them this land when they first saw it (Numbers 13-14).
The detailed enumeration of specific lands and their boundaries in Joshua 14-17 indicates that this was a real historical event in a particular geographical location—another argument for the historical accuracy of Scripture.
Luke 17 speaks about several truths.
When Jesus warned the disciples about the dangers of temptation (Luke 17:1-2) and the importance of forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4), they realized that their faith was weak in this regard and asked, "Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). Relationships with people, each of whom is in their process of growth, require the utmost trust in God. At the same time, Jesus guarantees that even the slightest faith can bring about significant changes in this area. Continue to rely on the Lord and trust Him with your difficulties (Luke 17:6).
The parable of the servant and the story of the ten lepers emphasize that we should not seek gratitude for ourselves for our good deeds but be grateful to God for His numerous blessings (Luke 17:7-19).
The Kingdom of God, on one hand, spreads quietly from person to person in the souls of individuals (Luke 17:20-21). On the other hand, it will be established explicitly at the time of Christ's second coming to earth (Luke 17:24). A key feature of the time of the second coming will be people's preoccupation with themselves and their lives (as it was in the days of Noah and Lot); people will not think about God and His warnings. Therefore, the primary warning for Christians is to stay awake (Luke 17:22-37).
Despite his advanced age, Caleb remained strong and bold. He confidently requested the territory inhabited by powerful people with fortified cities, believing that the Lord could show him mercy and enable him to drive out these inhabitants (Joshua 14:7-13). If there is faith, it strengthens with age and trials. Caleb was one of the two spies who did not doubt that the Lord would give them this land when they first saw it (Numbers 13-14).
The detailed enumeration of specific lands and their boundaries in Joshua 14-17 indicates that this was a real historical event in a particular geographical location—another argument for the historical accuracy of Scripture.
Luke 17 speaks about several truths.
When Jesus warned the disciples about the dangers of temptation (Luke 17:1-2) and the importance of forgiveness (Luke 17:3-4), they realized that their faith was weak in this regard and asked, "Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). Relationships with people, each of whom is in their process of growth, require the utmost trust in God. At the same time, Jesus guarantees that even the slightest faith can bring about significant changes in this area. Continue to rely on the Lord and trust Him with your difficulties (Luke 17:6).
The parable of the servant and the story of the ten lepers emphasize that we should not seek gratitude for ourselves for our good deeds but be grateful to God for His numerous blessings (Luke 17:7-19).
The Kingdom of God, on one hand, spreads quietly from person to person in the souls of individuals (Luke 17:20-21). On the other hand, it will be established explicitly at the time of Christ's second coming to earth (Luke 17:24). A key feature of the time of the second coming will be people's preoccupation with themselves and their lives (as it was in the days of Noah and Lot); people will not think about God and His warnings. Therefore, the primary warning for Christians is to stay awake (Luke 17:22-37).
Posted in Reading Bible Together