By checking my bible in the Study Section, I found it most interesting to discover why the nations were distributed in the way they were, and why they didn't just make one nation out of the whole of Canaan. "There were several good reasons for establishing these well-set boundaries instead of turning the promised land into a single undivided nation. 1) The boundaries gave each tribe ownership of an area, promoting loyalty and unity that would strengthen each tribe. 2) The boundaries delineated areas of responsibility and privilege which would help each tribe develop and mature. 3) The boundaries reduced conflicts that might have broken out if everyone had wanted to live in the choicest areas. 4) The boundaries fulfilled the promised inheritance to each tribe that began to be given as early as the days of Israel, the one who raised all of his twelve sons to each become a leader of the Twelve Tribes.
"The Israelites discovered that relationships affect faith. The men and women of the surrounding nations were attractive to the Israelites. Soon they intermarried, and the Israelites accepted their pagan gods. This was clearly prohibited by God and the Israelites gradually began to accept the immoral practices associated with those gods. Most Israelites didn't start out determined to be idolaters; they just added the idols to the worship of God. But before long they found themselves absorbed in pagan worship.
"A similar danger faces each of us. We want to befriend those who don't know God, but through those friendships we can become entangled in unhealthy practices. Friendships with unbelievers are important, but we must accept people without compromising or adopting their patterns of behavior. It is difficult to imagine the people of Israel trading idols of stone or wood for worshiping God, but we do the same when we forsake worshiping God for other activities, hobbies , or other priorities. Our idols may not be made of stone, but they are every bit as wrong,"
I am intrigued by a chart in the study portion of my bible which explains why the Israelites and sometimes we ourselves may pursue idols. I will list those short-term benefits which tantalize us. Again, from the study: " immediate self-gratification, sensuality approved, low ethical standards tolerated, neighbors' sins approved, visible idols worshiped, selfishness condoned, business relations improved, religious practices loosely regulated, changed life not demanded, compromise and cooperation practiced, no concern for others expected." The temptation to follow false gods because of short-term benefits, good feelings, easy "rules", or convenience is always present. But the benefits were deceptive because the gods were false. We worship God because He is the one and only true God."
The Israelites make a grand lesson for us for "what not to do!" God wanted them desperately to be His people. I am overwhelmed sometimes with the love that God has shown over the centuries for his people. I am so glad to be included, yet I know personally how hard it is to do the right thing always. I am inclined to have a temper and a mouth that forgets to keep shut, so I understand how it feels to be "loosely regulated." But, I do know that God loves me, even when I sin, so I try to be quick to be remorseful and ask for forgiveness..both to God and to the person who received my outburst. God does forgive. As does His Son, who died for the sins that I am unable to control....yet. I love Jesus, and He knows that I am straining to reach the goal. How grateful I am for His love for me.
Love in bountiful measure,
Jo INMN
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