Welcome to Bible Talk with Jessica! The Israelites continue to take over the lands promised to them, and we read about which tribes gain which territories. Still makes me want to grab a map and try to look at the world today and where they would be!
Let’s get started!
Please note – I am not a pastor. I have had no bible training, gone to bible school, or anything like that. I do not consider myself a bible scholar at all. I am just someone who loves the Lord, loves reading the bible, and would love to talk with others about it. This is a place for me to do that. We may not agree on everything I post. I ask that all comments remain polite, and honoring to the Lord. I am just here sharing what the Lord lays on my heart, what I’ve learned, and what jumps out at me as I read. I hope you’ll join me in reading your bible as well and share what you’ve learned!
Scripture Reading for Today
Joshua 15:20 – 17:18
Verse of the Day
Bible Talk
Today we read about the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Manasseh and how they failed to drive out all the inhabitants of the land they were taking. We know from other parts of our bible how dangerous that can be. It can lead to the Israelites doing things they ought not to – like worshipping other gods.
I know I’ve talked on here before about the importance of removing things from your life that God tells you to, so I’m trying not to go in that direction today. But something to take a look at is actions and consequences. Our actions today will have consequences in our lives at some point, good or bad. And it might not be immediately, it could be years down the road.
These two tribes chose not the drive out all the inhabitants. While it probably didn’t have immediate consequences – it certainly did down the road. Over time the Israelites observed what those people did on a day to day basis. It may have seemed harmless at first, but then it started to have an impact. Before you know it the Israelites themselves were partaking in some of the sinful practices. Their action (not driving the people out) led to consequences (they were doing sinful things and received punishment from the Lord).
So how can we apply this to ourselves? We all know that actions have consequences, but I’m talking about the long term here. Let’s say you allow something sinful to stay in your household. You can ignore it for a very long time, and then suddenly you find yourself using/doing it. This will affect your relationship with the Lord, and possibly your relationship with other people. Remember that one sin can affect several people both directly and indirectly. So that one decision to keep that item, whatever it was, caused negative consequences for yourself and perhaps others.
That’s just one example really, but I don’t want to bog you down with others. I’m sure you catch my drift. The important part is to remember that our actions and decisions have lasting effects. We need to be smart, faithful, and ask the Lord what He wants us to do and then do it. Don’t let your actions of today make sure a sorrowful future.
What did you learn from today’s reading?