By the time Joshua was ready to cross the Jordan, the Israelites had already occupied a great deal of territory east of the Jordon. This would be the inheritance of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Although these tribes already had their land, they were not permitted to rest until their brothers had occupied their land west of the Jordan. They were instructed to first help their brothers and then they could go back and settle in their land. We too have this responsibility first for those closest to us and from there outward to others. Sometimes it can be easier to love people who are distant from us. You might give generously to the poor and help those in need in the community and that is commendable and important. It feels great to do that and so it should. But what about when you are at home with your family? Are you willing to do that extra chore or go to that extra effort to serve? How good are you at loving your partner whom you vowed to love and care for? I encourage you to practice consideration for others first in the most intimate relationships of life and in the small things. You will then become the sort of person that God can use to have great effect in the lives of many others.
Think about how you can apply this today.
Read Joshua 1:10-18 and 1 John 3:16-18
