Mapping Our Inheritance: A Journey of Faith and Purpose

In Joshua 18:4, we find a directive that comes at a pivotal moment in Israel's journey: "Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me." This verse encapsulates a profound principle about understanding our inheritance, both physically in the Promised Land and spiritually in our faith.

As the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, they were not merely moving into new territories; they were claiming the promises that God had made to their forefathers. The land was more than a geographical space; it was a representation of God's faithfulness, His promises, and the destiny that He had ordained for His people. The command to send out men to explore the land is significant for us today as we consider our own spiritual inheritance and journey.

### The Call to Explore

The instruction to choose three men from each tribe indicates the importance of representation and unity within the body of Israel. Each tribe had a unique inheritance, and God wanted each one represented in this act of exploration. Similarly, as Christians, we are part of a greater body—the Church—that stretches across denominations, cultures, and nations. We are called to explore, not only our individual gifts and callings but also the collective mission that God has laid before us.

Our exploration begins with prayer and seeking the Lord's guidance in understanding what His promises are for us today. Just like the men who were sent out to survey the land, we too are called to rise up and take initiative to discover what God has in store for us. This exploration can manifest through studying the Scriptures, participating in fellowship, and engaging in various forms of ministry. Call upon the Holy Spirit to illuminate the inheritance that God has prepared for you, making sure that you recognize not just personal promises but also those made to the Church as a whole.

### The Importance of Description

The verse states that the men shall "describe it according to the inheritance of them." Description here symbolizes the need to comprehend and articulate what has been promised. When we look into the Word of God, we are consistently reminded of our identity as heirs—children of God who are entitled to an abundant life through Christ. Our spiritual inheritance includes blessings of grace, mercy, and eternal life. However, it is essential to articulate these promises to ourselves and others.

How often do we neglect to talk about the great things God has done and promised? Testimonies are powerful tools that remind us of God's faithfulness and encourage others to seek out their own inheritance. The more we describe and declare God’s promises, the more we solidify our faith and the faith of those around us. Telling others about the land we are inheriting not only builds our confidence but also ignites a fire within the Church to pursue God's promises actively.

### Returning with the Report

Finally, the men were instructed to return to Joshua with their findings. After exploring the land and understanding their inheritance, we are called to share our experiences, not hoarding knowledge but passing it along. This is vital to the life and growth of the Church. We have a responsibility to report what God is doing amongst us, to celebrate victories, and to identify areas of struggle. In our testimonies, we can highlight the blessings and the challenges we face, encouraging one another in our spiritual journey.

In conclusion, Joshua 18:4 serves as a poignant reminder that our faith journey mirrors the Israelites' exploration of the Promised Land. We are on a continuous quest to understand our inheritance through Jesus Christ. Let us rise, explore our calling, and describe with clarity the promises of God in our lives and the Church. Just as the Israelites received their inheritance, so too shall we, as we remain faithful and steadfast in our mission to understand and articulate the great gifts God has entrusted to us.

Artwork for Joshua 18:4

Joshua 18:4 - "Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me."

"Give out from among you three men for each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall rise, and go through the land, and describe it according to the inheritance of them; and they shall come again to me." - Joshua 18:4

Joshua 11:18 - "Joshua made war a long time with all those kings."

Joshua 18:10 - "¶ And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions."

Joshua 10:18 - "And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:"

Joshua 4:15 - "And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying,"

Joshua 4:4 - "Then Joshua called the twelve men, whom he had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a man:"

Joshua 18:25 - "Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,"

Joshua 18:23 - "And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah,"

Joshua 18:27 - "And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,"

Joshua 13:18 - "And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,"

Joshua 18:26 - "And Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,"

Joshua 18:18 - "And passed along toward the side over against Arabah northward, and went down unto Arabah:"

Joshua 18:9 - "And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the host at Shiloh."

Joshua 18:22 - "And Beth-arabah, and Zemaraim, and Beth-el,"

Joshua 19:18 - "And their border was toward Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,"

Joshua 8:18 - "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai; for I will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city."

Joshua 4:17 - "Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, Come ye up out of Jordan."

Joshua 12:18 - "The king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;"

"Joshua made war a long time with all those kings." - Joshua 11:18

Joshua 4:20 - "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal."

Joshua 3:4

Joshua 3:4

Joshua 18:24 - "And Chephar-haammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:"

"And the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying," - Joshua 4:15

Joshua 4:18 - "And it came to pass, when the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD were come up out of the midst of Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up unto the dry land, that the waters of Jordan returned unto their place, and flowed over all his banks, as they did before."

Joshua 18:3 - "And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?"

"And Avim, and Parah, and Ophrah," - Joshua 18:23

"And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah," - Joshua 18:27

"Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth," - Joshua 18:25