Borders and Boundaries

3.24.2010

Joshua 18:10b And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion. ESV

It strikes me somewhat odd that the establishment of the nation of Israel was limited to a regional establishment – there were borders and boundaries that were to be observed and respected. World domination was not the objective here. Each tribe was given its apportionment and was to be content with that.

But why not, world domination? I think God’s intent was for us to be content with what we have and let Him draw the world to us by the glory of that contentment. Happy is the person whose God is God and who life is admirably content in Him. There is something to be said for the person who is content.

Contentment is taught in the New Testament as well – Paul wrote to Timothy: Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Ti 6:6-8 ESV) The lesson for me is – have what you have and before God, be content with that. Whatever the Lord supplies beyond that, be content with what you have.

For Israel there were boundaries and borders established; with that however, the presence of a limitless God with Whom nothing is too difficult, and by Whom all have great gain…

Father in Heaven,

You have wonderfully provided for me and I thank You. Help me to learn to be content and through You to find the greater gain of helping others find You and all the benefits of that discovery. My life is Yours, use it as You will, I pray in Jesus’ Name, amen.